Lowell Deeds

The Registers of Deeds Association is contemplating some amendments to the Deed Indexing Standards regarding condominiums. One such amendment deals with an interpretation of MGL c. 183A, s.9 which requires the first deed of each condominium unit to be accompanied by a floor plan of that unit and of “the immediately adjacent units.” A literal interpretation would mean providing the complete floor plans of the adjacent units. And what of the units above and below the subject unite? Are they considered to be “adjacent”? The Registers Association concluded that we will deem this statute complied with if the unit plan attached to the deed simply identifies the location and unit number of the units adjacent to the subject unit (although the full floor plan of the subject unit is still required). In addition, a new indexing standard will require that all Master Deeds be accompanied by a site plan showing where the building containing the condominium units sits on the lot. While most Master Deeds are accompanied by such a plan already, it is not universal and now it will be required. These standards will go into effect probably on January 1, 2007.