What is a real property report (RPR) and what does it show in Alberta?
This answer covers the law of Alberta.
A real property report, usually called an RPR, is a survey document that shows the buildings and other improvements on a property in relation to its boundaries. It is a service provided by an Alberta Land Surveyor, and only an Alberta land surveyor, who holds a certificate of registration and annual certificate under the Land Surveyors Act, may practise surveying in Alberta.
The surveyor prepares the report but does not decide whether it complies with municipal bylaws. The owner takes the RPR to the municipality, in person, to obtain a compliance stamp. That stamp confirms only that the improvements shown meet the municipality's requirements. It does not mean the building's use complies with the Land Use Bylaw, or address easements, covenants, legislation or other requirements affecting the land or buildings.
Most standard residential purchase contracts in Alberta require the seller to give the buyer a current RPR with a municipal stamp of compliance, but that is a contractual term rather than a statutory requirement. Buyers' lenders and lawyers usually require a current RPR as well. Whether one is needed in your sale depends on your contract, so a lawyer can confirm.
Key takeaways
- Only an Alberta land surveyor, holding a certificate of registration and annual certificate under the Land Surveyors Act, may practise surveying in Alberta and prepare an RPR.
- The surveyor does not decide whether the RPR complies with municipal bylaws, so the owner takes it to the municipality, in person, for a compliance stamp.
- The stamp confirms only that the improvements shown meet the municipality's requirements, not that the building's use complies with the Land Use Bylaw or that easements and covenants are addressed.
- Most standard Alberta residential purchase contracts require the seller to provide a current stamped RPR, but that is a contractual term rather than a statutory requirement.