Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs
Legislative Framework
The Valuation of Land Act was amended by Act No. 17 of 2009, empowering the Commissioner of Valuations to assess properties using an Annual Rental Value (ARV) system and validating the use of this system for property valuations between 1970 and 2009. Prior to this amendment, valuations were conducted using a site valuation system.
Further amendments were introduced through Acts No. 5 of 2018 and No. 21 of 2022, which, among other provisions, established a Valuation Tribunal and required certain State agencies to provide relevant information to the Commissioner of Valuations to support the valuation process.
Professional Standards
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All professional staff within the Valuation Division are members of the Institute and adhere to internationally recognised standards established by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, in addition to the professional guidelines set by the Institute of Surveyors of Trinidad and Tobago.
Role of the Commissioner of Valuations
The Commissioner of Valuations is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Valuation Division. The role includes developing strategic plans and formulating, implementing and monitoring policies relating to the valuation of lands and properties across Trinidad and Tobago.
Key Responsibilities
- Administering the Valuation of Land Act
- Preparing and maintaining the Valuation Roll
- Conducting revisions of the Valuation Roll every five years
Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs
Ministry of Land & Legal Affairs
The Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs (MLLA) serves as the national authority responsible for the administration, management and protection of land and legal interests in Trinidad and Tobago. Our work supports the country’s development by ensuring secure land tenure, maintaining reliable land registration systems, and providing accessible legal documentation services for citizens, businesses and public institutions.
Integrity & Governance
Through sound governance, modernised systems and a commitment to professional service delivery, the Ministry safeguards property rights and strengthens the framework that underpins land administration across the nation. At its core, the Ministry is entrusted with protecting one of the country’s most valuable assets, our identity, our businesses, our ideas and products, while ensuring that land services remain transparent, efficient and accessible to the public.
Our Identity
The Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs serves as the custodian of Trinidad and Tobago’s land resources and legal registration systems. By integrating cutting-edge technology with transparent governance, we ensure the integrity of national records and the reliability of legal frameworks. Our mission is to provide every citizen with a secure, efficient, and trustworthy system that protects their rights and interests.
Our Core Values
We uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring honesty and transparency in every process, record and interaction.
We take responsibility for the stewardship of national assets and for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of legal and land records.
We embrace technology and modern solutions to improve efficiency, strengthen systems and expand access to services.
We place citizens at the centre of our work, delivering professional, responsive and respectful service to all stakeholders.
We are committed to fairness and impartiality in the administration of land and legal matters, ensuring equal access to services for all.
Our History
The Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs was officially established on 3 October 2025, marking a significant step in the evolution of governance for land administration and legal services in Trinidad and Tobago.
Prior to its establishment, many legal and civil services were managed under the broader framework of the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs. In May 2025, the structure transitioned to the Ministry of Legal Affairs, reflecting an early phase of institutional restructuring.
The formation of the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs represents the Government’s commitment to strengthening the management of the nation’s land resources while improving public access to essential legal documentation. These services include the registration and issuance of civil records such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates and property deeds.
The Ministry also brought together key state entities responsible for land administration, including the Commissioner of State Lands, the Valuation Division, and the Surveys and Mapping Division, within a single organisational framework. This integration aims to reduce bureaucratic processes, improve coordination across divisions, and modernise the systems that support property ownership, land registration and national record management.
Through this consolidation, the Ministry continues to advance reforms that improve efficiency, strengthen transparency and enhance the delivery of services to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.