PASSED

The enacted measure requires the Philadelphia Department of Records to check whether the person transferring real estate matches the recorded owner before recording most deeds. It also requires supporting documents for certain transfers, limits deeds mailed to the department to registered or certified mail, and requires notice to the prior record owner within 30 days; exemptions apply to sheriff’s deeds and deeds submitted by title insurance companies, attorneys, or law firms.

Amending Title 2 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City-County Consolidation," by adding a new Chapter providing that prior to the recording of any deed, a check of record ownership be conducted by the Department of Records, appropriate documentation be submitted to the Department with certain deeds and requirements for the delivery of deeds to the Department of Records be met; providing for notification to the record owner of the recording of any deed; providing for exemptions and making certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.