ENG-1967 — Page 190

LAND AND HOUSING

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who paid lump sum premiums on their first occupancy. In 1963 this security was extended to five years for new tenancies commenc- ing after July 1, 1963. General increases in rent of post-war buildings resulted in the enactment in 1962 of the Tenancy (Notice of Ter- mination) Ordinance which extended the period required for ter- mination of tenancies to six months' written notice. Domestic tenancies were given further security of tenure for two years follow- ing the enactment of the Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Ordinance in 1963, when new domestic accommodation was scarce and rents were increasing. During the ensuing three years the supply of new premises increased considerably, and the Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Ordinance having achieved its purpose, expired on June 30, 1966. However, where a rent was increased when the ordinance was in effect, a tenant was given two years' security of tenure. This provision applies notwithstand- ing the expiry of the ordinance, with the result that certain tenancies are still enjoying two years' protection from the date of the last rent increase before June 30, 1966.

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LAND OFFICE

The Land Office, which is a branch of the Registrar General's Department, is responsible for the registration of all instruments affecting land; the settling and registration of conditions of sale, grant and exchange of Crown land; the issue, renewal, variation and termination of Crown leases; the granting of mining leases; and advice to the government generally on matters relating to land.

The system of registration, introduced in 1844, is broadly similar to that in the Yorkshire Deeds Registries in England. The Land Registration Ordinance provides that all deeds and instruments registered under it shall have priority according to their respective dates of registration, and that deeds and instruments not registered (other than bona fide leases at rack rent for any term not exceeding three years) shall be absolutely null and void as against any sub- sequent bona fide purchaser or mortgagee for valuable considera- tion. Registration is therefore essential to the protection of title, but does not guarantee it.