Puerto Rico law

Real Estate Laws in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico real-estate practice is governed by civil-law principles under the 2020 Civil Code of Puerto Rico and the Mortgage and Property Registry Act. Puerto Rico is a TITLE-REGISTRATION state (not just a recording-act state) — the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) creates binding title rights. All real-estate transactions require a notarial deed (escritura pública) executed before a notary — only licensed Puerto Rico notaries (who are lawyers) may prepare deeds. Foreclosure is judicial. Puerto Rico imposes a notarial stamp tax and property registration fees. CRIM (Municipal Revenue Collection Center) administers property taxes.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Mortgage and Property Registry ActAct No. 210-2015 (Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria)

Puerto Rico's comprehensive statute governing the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). Creates binding title rights through registration. The Registry is organized by property (finca) not by name, with a book-and-page system.

Notarial Deed Requirement4 L.P.R.A. §§ 2001 et seq. (Notarial Act of Puerto Rico)

All real-estate transactions (deeds, mortgages, leases over 6 years) must be executed as a Notarial Deed (Escritura Pública) before a licensed Puerto Rico notary. Only lawyers may serve as notaries in Puerto Rico.

Judicial Foreclosure2020 Civil Code; Rules of Civil Procedure

All mortgage foreclosures are judicial. Typical timeline 18-24 months or longer. Court orders auction (subasta) with minimum price requirements.

CRIM (Property Tax Administration)Act No. 83-1991 (Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales)

The Municipal Revenue Collection Center (CRIM) administers property tax assessment and collection for Puerto Rico's 78 municipios. Property taxes fund municipal governments.

Seller Disclosure (Bona Fide)2020 Civil Code

Civil-law good-faith (buena fe) disclosure obligations apply. Seller must disclose material defects known to seller.

State law

Official Sources

2020 Civil Code of Puerto Rico CRIM (Centro de Recaudación)

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Puerto Rico.

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Real Estate Laws in Puerto Rico.

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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