FOR THE past few days, I have been receiving messages from a client asking for legal advice about residential spaces available in the metro. We discussed the land use plan, procedures and requirements, and the government agencies involved in the processes.
However, she is more interested in knowing about buying condominium units and housing projects. And this is where the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) comes in.
For the benefit of all, I am sharing here some of the few things you need to know about the said agency.
We have seen an incredible increase in real estates here in Iloilo City and in the province. There is growth because of the increase in demand for residential spaces and units.
HLURB is tasked to enforce housing regulations, regulate land development and homeowners associations.
It settles land disputes between buyers and developers as well as brokers.
It oversees the organization of homeowners associations.
It issues licenses to sell condominium units and determines the stability of housing projects of the government.
Additionally, the agency formulates guidelines for Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs). It reviews and ratifies the CLUPs of highly urbanized cities and independent component cities.
It renders technical assistance to local government units (LGUs), provincial land use committees and regional land use committees.
It trains LGUs in subdivision plan approval and zoning enforcement.
The agency offers developers services for Approval of Condominium Plan. This includes Development Permit, Conversion Plan and Alteration Plan.
I advised my client to visit the office of HLURB because it provides assistance to property buyers.
For an example, the buyer is advised to ask for the Certificate of Registration and License to Sell to make sure that the owner or real estate developer is authorized to sell a unit or lot.
The agency has jurisdiction over the registration and license of subdivision and condominium projects, farm lots, memorial parks, and columbaria.
It registers real estate brokers, dealers and salesmen engaged in selling projects under HLURB jurisdiction.
Thus, the buyer must make sure that the real estate broker possesses complete HLURB brokers’ registration documentation, and is also duly licensed with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Have you experienced strolling in a mall and someone hands you flyers promoting a certain subdivision or condominium unit? The facilities and amenities advertised therein are in accordance with the HLURB approved plan. There are rules, guidelines and standards, and restrictions on housing and real estate.
HLURB has key shelter agencies, namely: Housing and Urban Development Coordination Council (HUDCC); Home Guaranty Corp. (HGC); National Housing Authority (NHA); National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC); and Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC).
Through the consolidation of HUDCC and HLURB, the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) was created. This is pursuant to Republic Act 11201 or An Act Creating the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development, Defining its Mandate, Powers and Functions, and Appropriating Funds Therefore.
The Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) was also created pursuant to the said law.
The real estate sector continues to bloom. Thus, homebuyers and homeowners must be protected from those who might take advantage of them. And this is what HLURB does./PN
