Which statement about caveats is true?

• A. They last 6 months
• B. They can be placed only by lawyers
• C. Notice placed on title to freeze it
• D. They automatically transfer ownership

Answer: (C)

A caveat is a notice filed against a property's title to protect a person’s interest in the property. It serves as a warning to anyone dealing with the title that there is an unregistered claim to be considered before any transfer, mortgage, or other dealing can proceed. Because the caveat is on the title, it effectively restricts or “freezes” the ability to register new interests or changes without addressing the caveator’s claim or obtaining consent. This ensures the person with the interest isn’t bypassed.

That’s why the statement about caveats being a notice placed on the title to freeze it is true. Caution is needed with duration and who can file, though: caveats don’t automatically last a fixed short period like six months, and their duration varies with jurisdiction or renewal requirements. They aren’t limited to lawyers filing them; a person with a legitimate interest (or their authorized representative) can typically place a caveat. And they do not transfer ownership automatically; they merely record a claim and protect that claim until it’s resolved or removed.