What is a caveat?

What is a caveat?

• A. A statutory notice of claim to an interest in a parcel of land or to a mortgage, encumbrance, or lease that affects the land.
• B. A temporary easement granted for construction.
• C. A notice of zoning violation.
• D. A record of a property tax lien.

Answer: (A)

A caveat is a formal notice placed on a property's title to protect a person’s or entity’s claim or interest in the land. It serves as a warning to anyone searching the title that there is an unresolved right or encumbrance that could affect ownership or use, such as a mortgage, lease, or other interest. In Manitoba practice, this notice of claim against the land itself means the caveat can limit or delay certain registrations (like transfer of title) until the interest is addressed. It doesn’t create a right on its own but preserves the claimant’s rights while the matter is resolved. The other descriptions describe different concepts: a temporary easement for construction is a separate right to use land for a period; a zoning violation notice is issued for non-compliance with zoning rules; and a tax lien record reflects unpaid taxes, not a protective title notice.

A caveat is a formal notice placed on a property's title to protect a person’s or entity’s claim or interest in the land. It serves as a warning to anyone searching the title that there is an unresolved right or encumbrance that could affect ownership or use, such as a mortgage, lease, or other interest. In Manitoba practice, this notice of claim against the land itself means the caveat can limit or delay certain registrations (like transfer of title) until the interest is addressed. It doesn’t create a right on its own but preserves the claimant’s rights while the matter is resolved. The other descriptions describe different concepts: a temporary easement for construction is a separate right to use land for a period; a zoning violation notice is issued for non-compliance with zoning rules; and a tax lien record reflects unpaid taxes, not a protective title notice.