Understanding the Land Rights Act, 2018
A plain-language introduction to Liberia's Land Rights Act, including the main categories of land and why ownership, use and registration must be distinguished.
The Land Rights Act
The Land Rights Act was enacted in 2018 and is a central part of Liberia's modern land-law framework.
Categories of land
The Act recognises four principal categories of land:
- Public Land
- Government Land
- Customary Land
- Private Land
The legal rules that apply can differ depending on the category.
Ownership and use are not always the same
A person may have rights to use land without holding full private ownership. Customary and community land rights can also involve collective interests and governance processes.
Constitutional context
Article 22 of the Constitution protects property rights but reserves ownership of real property to Liberian citizens, subject to constitutional exceptions. Mineral resources are legally distinct from private ownership of the surface land.
Registration and evidence
Land transactions and disputes can turn on documents, surveys, registration, chains of title, community claims and other evidence. The Liberia Land Authority has a central role in land administration.
Do not rely on a general guide for a transaction
Before buying, selling, leasing, surveying or asserting ownership of land, verify the status of the land and the applicable legal requirements through the appropriate authorities and qualified professionals.