chain of title

A chain of title is the sequence of historical transfers of title to a property. The "chain" runs from the present owner back to the original owner of the property. In situations where documentation of ownership is important, it is often necessary to reconstruct the chain of title. To facilitate this, a record of title documents may be maintained by a registry office or civil law notary.

Chain of title together with other historical data, such as permits, reports, aerial maps may be necessary to determinate the likelyhood of contamination of the soil and or waters, according to Phase 1 environmental site assessment (ASTM 1527-05)