Bill > H1898

This bill amends Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 184, Section 24 to provide a clear mechanism for resolving technical irregularities in property deed recordings. Specifically, the bill establishes that if a property-related document is recorded in the registry of deeds and contains certain technical defects (such as issues with seals, acknowledgment certificates, execution form, signatures, or authority of signatories), those defects will be automatically cured after ten years, unless a legal proceeding challenging the document is initiated during that period. The types of defects covered are broad and include problems with how an individual signs a document on behalf of a trust, corporation, or under power of attorney. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply retroactively to documents recorded before, on, or after that date, with an exception for any ongoing legal challenges to property documents that were already in progress under the previous version of the law. The purpose of this legislation is to provide greater certainty and stability in property title records by allowing minor technical errors to be disregarded after a significant period of time has passed without challenge.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1898