Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Real Estate Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Puerto Rico Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Military Law and Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: Disabled veteran property tax exemption question

Im a disabled veteran who lives in puerto rico.my parents and i are taking out a mortgage to fiance my first home. this is going to be my primary residence. On the loan the borrowers are: my mother, my dad, and me. My question is do i still get an exemption for property tax? Because its coming up... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 13, 2024

It sounds like you're in the process of purchasing your first home, which is an exciting step. Since you’re a disabled veteran living in Puerto Rico, you may be eligible for a property tax exemption. However, these exemptions typically apply to the primary homeowner who qualifies, and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: Can you transfer possession rights of a home on untitled property upon your death?

We were in middle of a contractual purchase agreement when seller died. Sellers family was not aware of the agreement, and believe they have the right to inherent the property and home. Do the descendants have any legal right to the untitled property? Do they have right of possession of the home... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

When dealing with untitled property in Puerto Rico, transferring possession rights can become complicated, especially when the original owner dies. If there was a valid purchase agreement in place before the seller passed away, this agreement may still be enforceable, but it would depend on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law, Criminal Law and Family Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: Question about divorce, abuse and real estate involved

A situation with a divorce and 3 adult children

2 children live in the house old with the mother and the father who lives in another of his properties mentally abuses them all the time making their life miserable also with a strong drug habit that leads in to always ask for money and food... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

It sounds like you are dealing with a very challenging and distressing situation involving abuse, real estate issues, and ongoing threats from a former partner. It's understandable that you and your family feel scared and uncertain about what steps to take next. Even though the abuse... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Constitutional Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: My grandparents house got took by Puerto Rico's government while trying to sign it over is this possible?

My mother has the paperwork from my grandfather to get over to her name. What could we do?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 31, 2024

If your grandparents' house was taken by the Puerto Rican government while you were in the process of transferring ownership, it may have been due to a legal action like eminent domain or foreclosure. You should first confirm the exact reason why the property was taken, as this will determine... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Land Use & Zoning and Probate for Puerto Rico on
Q: Father past. Mother alive. There's five siblings. Property in an incorporation. After Mother passes who keeps property?

My parents have a property in Puerto Rico. There's five siblings. Father past away Mother is still alive, who's it belong to? The property is also in an incorporation. One sibling is president in the corporation, my Mother is vise-president and I'm secretary. Should this sibling pass... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jan 8, 2024

The property will still belong to the corporation. As a rule, when a stockholder dies, his/her shares pass on to his/her heirs, unless an existing stockholders' agreement signed by them state otherwise.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: My grandparents passed away over 20 ago and in their will they stated that the home would belong to one of my uncles

And the property would be split among all the siblings. The only surviving child is my father. Would like to know who is now the rightful owner of the house and property. The property is currently vacant and looking to sell it. This property is in Puerto Rico

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Nov 2, 2023

You need to verify the real estate property's status in the Puerto Rico Property Registry: were your grandparents' wills filed to transfer ownership to their children (your father, aunts, and uncles)? Assuming that the transfer was completed, an adjudication deed would've need to be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: My dad wants to donated his house to me and my 2 sibling are in agreement. Do I have to pay any kind of taxes?

The house is located in Puerto Rico.

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Oct 24, 2023

Any real estate property located in Puerto Rico that does not constitute your primary residence is subject to property taxes. If the property currently belongs to your father and is his primary residence, he may have requested a tax exemption from the Municipal Income Collections Center... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: 2 siblings inherit a home in PR. One of the siblings past away. Said sibling who past away was married although had been

Separated for years! Perhaps now she’s a forced inherited? She’s an alcoholic, mentally unstable and unable to understand. How can the other living sibling take her out of the forced inheritance to be able to sell the house?

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Aug 29, 2023

If the deceased sibling died after November 28, 2020, his spouse inherits along with any descendants he may have left. Now, if the deceased sibling died before November 28, 2020, his spouse would still inherit an annuity equal to a simple share of a third of his estate, equal to what any other heir... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: I'm selling a house in Puerto Rico but I'm in NY. The house is inherited by my mother and 6 children of adult age.

Not all can attend so we are using power of attorney. Why would the lawer ask for copies of our driver's licenses. when the notarized documents and the authentication at The Country Clerk's office is done in NY.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 22, 2023

When selling a house in Puerto Rico and utilizing power of attorney, the lawyer's request for copies of the grantors' driver's licenses is likely for the purpose of verifying the identities of the individuals granting power of attorney. This practice helps ensure the legitimacy of... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: Law in Puerto Rico. Where can I get a copy of my deed . I cannot locate my original? My property is in Boqueron, Puerto

The lawyerI used who was also a notary was disbarred in 2014.

Ramon  Olivencia
Ramon Olivencia
answered on Jul 19, 2023

Getting a copy of your deed from a deceased attorney in Puerto Rico is complicated. First, you must contact the district or region on the island where the attorney used to practice, called the Notarial Archive ("Archivo Notarial"). Then, after several days of searching for the deed, they... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Probate for Puerto Rico on
Q: Q: My wife and I have found an abandoned propert in Puerto Rico that we would like to claim using adverse possession.

We have spoke to all the neighbors in the area and found the owner to be deceased and the place has been empty for about 6 years or since Hurricane Maria. How can we take the property in good faith. What actions need to be taken.

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 18, 2023

Under Puerto Rico Rule of Law, you would need to be in pacific possession of said real estate property, openly, and (in the mind of your neighbors) as if you were the owners of said property. This would need to continue for 20 years, the go before a court of law to request said adverse possession... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: Who is the owner of a Real Estate Property in Puerto Rico after death of one parent? Spouse or Inheritanance?

My father and mother were gifted (via Escritura), a piece of land with a house built on it by them in Isabela, PR by my Paternal Grandmother in 1983. The property was registered but as far as we know from bills from the CRIM and Property Registry they only show my father's name on the... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 18, 2023

After November 28, 2020, Puerto Rico rule of law determines that the heirs of an estate are the deceased's spouse and children. Before that date, the estate belongs to the deceased's children with an inheritance lien in favor of your widowed mother (called in Spanish, "la cuota... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: My mother transferred 2 properties in my name as a living inheritance. Is there any way that I can avoid paying any tax

She still lives in Puerto Rico, and I would like to build her a home on a different property that my brother owns and would like to use some of the monies for the build would I still pay a capital gains tax?

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 15, 2023

Unless either real estate property is your primary residence, you'll be paying property taxes. Furthermore, if you reside outside Puerto Rico, the sale of either or both real estate properties will be subject to a 15% retention of the sales proceeds, which will be deposited with the Puerto... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: Do the grandchildren of my deceased siblings have to sign and agree to sell my mom house in PR she died 1/2020.
Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 12, 2023

If they inherit from their grandmother by representation of their late mom, they are also heirs, and thus must agree to the sale. Should they be under 21 years old, you'll need to procure court authorization to sell the real estate.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: When a 'Cambio de Dueños' is filed and there are more than one owners shouldn't the change reflect all parties involved?

The land in question was given to us with documentation; Escrituras, segregated and Registered at the Property Registry through a Notary (lawyer) one of my siblings recently filed for a 'Cambio de Dueño" I noticed on the Global Catastro that when they processed the change, they left the... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 10, 2023

I'm assuming the change in ownership to which you refer is with the Puerto Rico Municipal Income Collections Center ("CRIM", by its Spanish acronym). When more than two owners are involved (i.e., when a community property is filed with CRIM), there are two forms that should be used.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: What do I need to file a CAMBIO de DUEÑOS, and how can I obtain a copy of the Segregation Deed pertaining to property ?

I am in the process of filing for a change of ownership for a property that was left to me by my father prior to his passing. the Escrituras for myself and 2 other siblings were completed years ago, the land was segregated into three parts, in each of our names. Recently, one of my siblings filed a... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 6, 2023

Your first step would be to procure a registry certification from the Puerto Rico Property Registry. If the segregation was filed with the Registry, the original lot (finca) will identify the three lots. You do not state whether your late father left his will or whether he died intestate. If a will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Puerto Rico on
Q: I had to break my contract early and I paid up to the last month I stayed.

Landlord will keep security deposit for breach of contract but still wants me to pay the full amount of the lease term. Landlord has a new tenant in the unit. Can the landlord legally ask me for money while receiving money from the new tenant?

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 6, 2023

Your question does not state if the lease contract was signed in Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, what's valid is not whether he leased the residence to a new tenant, but rather what you agreed to in your lease contract. If said contract has a penalty clause for early termination, then your ex... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: How can I revoke a power of attorney from someone who's trying to take my property and Puerto Rico?
Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jul 10, 2023

You can revoke a power-of-attorney by subscribing a deed poll explicitly identifying the power-of-attorney you wish to revoke. It you live in the states, the poll deed must identify any real estate included in the original power of attorney. (a) The protocolized deed poll must be filed with the... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Puerto Rico on
Q: My uncle passed and left no will, no children, and no spouse. His brothers filed a declaration of inheritance.

The brothers have been named the heirs. Does that now make them legally responsible to pay the mortgage on the house he owned? If they do not pay the mortgage and let the bank foreclose will their credit be affected?

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jun 21, 2023

Succession Rule of Law in Puerto Rico states that your late uncle's estate is made up of his assets and his liabilities. Therefore, any mortgages and liens on real estate property would also have to be assumed by your late uncle's siblings. If the outstanding debts exceed the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: In Puerto Rico can you add a family member or a partner to be a cowner of a property you inherited.

I don’t live in PR but I want to have a cowner to a property i inherited.

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Jun 13, 2023

As a general rule, whether you have an proprietary interest in an hereditary estate or whether you are the sole owner of said inheritance, you can cede, donate, or sell part of your participation or all of it, by way of a deed subscribed before a notary in Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, if you are in... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.