What must the legal owner do if the certificate of title is lost or stolen?

If the certificate of title is lost or stolen, the legal owner must take the necessary steps to apply for a replacement. This process is vital because the certificate of title serves as the official document proving ownership of the property. Without it, the owner cannot demonstrate their rights to the unit, which can lead to complications in property transactions or legal matters.

Applying for a replacement typically involves submitting a specific application to the relevant authority, often accompanied by a statement regarding the circumstances of the loss or theft. This action ensures that the ownership record is updated and that the owner can regain proper documentation of their title, thereby protecting their ownership rights.

The focus on applying for a replacement rather than other actions, such as notifying the police or waiting for a certain time, highlights the importance of securing proper documentation to move forward legally. The legal framework surrounding property titles emphasizes the need for current and accurate documentation to safeguard ownership claims.