To address a property without a land certificate in the United States, the owner must first verify legal ownership through county records or a title search. Consulting a real estate attorney or title company is critical to resolve disputes and ensure compliance with state laws. If ownership is unclear, mediation or litigation may be necessary. The owner should also work with a title insurer to obtain coverage for future transactions. In cases where the certificate is lost, filing a certificate of ownership with the local government and paying associated fees can reconstruct the record.

The absence of a land certificate creates significant legal and financial risks. In 2022, the American Land Title Association reported that 5% of U.S. real estate transactions faced challenges due to incomplete or missing title documentation, costing buyers an average of $15,000 in resolution costs. State laws vary, but most require a clear chain of title to transfer ownership. For example, Texas Property Code § 5.07 mandates that deeds reference a valid certificate, while California Civil Code § 5102 requires a recorded deed. Without this, lenders like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reject loans, as noted in their 2023 underwriting guidelines. A 2023 National Association of Realtors study found that 12% of listings with unclear titles remained unsold for over six months, highlighting market hesitancy. Proactive legal and title review mitigates risks, ensuring compliance and marketability.