Property Deregistration Process with Identità

Property deregistration in Malta plays a key role in maintaining accurate records for both legal and residency processes. In the past, weaknesses in the system allowed cases where individuals remained registered long after leaving, or even used an address without the owner’s knowledge. To close these loopholes and improve efficiency, Identità introduced clearer rules on property registration, deregistration, and lease attestation. The property deregistration form has been in official use since September 2023, although it only became more visible in 2024 when Identità tightened enforcement following cases of address misuse. These measures help keep official records reliable, protect landlords from unnecessary liability, and ensure that residence applications are assessed on verified information.

What is Property Deregistration?

Property deregistration is the formal process by which a landlord or property owner informs Identità that a person is no longer authorised to use the address (i.e. they have vacated or never legally resided there). The De-Registration of Address Form is the tool used to remove that person from the address record within Identità.

Deregistration is required when:

• the lease has ended and the tenant has vacated;
• the tenant abandons the property without notice;
• the address was used without the owner’s consent;
• mail is still being received for persons no longer resident.

When and Where to Submit

Landlords must complete the De-Registration of Address Form and provide the necessary documents listed in Section 5 of the form. Submission depends on the status of the individual being deregistered:

• Unauthorised occupants: include a copy of the police report when the address was used without permission.
• Maltese nationals: submit to the Identity Cards Unit, Gattard House, Blata l-Bajda.
• Non-Maltese nationals: send via email to landlords.identita@gov.mt and submit to the Compliance Unit at Identità, Valley Road, Msida.

Lease Registration and Attestation Requirements

Alongside deregistration, landlords must also comply with Malta’s lease registration and attestation rules. Under the Private Residential Leases Act, most private residential leases must be registered with the Housing Authority within 10 days of commencement. This registration provides legal confirmation of the tenancy and is essential for supporting residence applications. Failure to register on time can lead to penalties and administrative complications.

Since September 2024, third-country nationals (TCNs) applying for a residence permit must also submit a Lease Agreement Attestation Form. This form must be signed by the landlord and tenant in the presence of a Lawyer, Notary Public, or Legal Procurator, and attested by the same professional who witnessed the lease.

The attestation is required for:

• New applicants and “Still Abroad” applicants submitting after 23 September 2024.
• For “Still Abroad” cases, the original form is required at the biometrics stage.
• For “New” applicants, a scanned copy is submitted at vetting and the original at biometrics.

Together, lease registration and attestation strengthen Malta’s residence system by ensuring that tenancy arrangements are genuine, legally binding, and verifiable.

Steps to Follow for Compliance (Landlords)

1. When the lease starts, register it with the Housing Authority within 10 days.
2. If the tenant is a TCN, ensure the lease agreement is properly attested.
3. When the tenant leaves, submit the De-Registration of Address Form to Identità.
4. If someone used the address without authorisation, also file a police report.

Why Deregistration and Attestation Matter

For landlords, keeping leases registered, attested when required, and promptly deregistering former tenants protects them from unnecessary liability. It ensures they are not associated with individuals who no longer live on the property and prevents official correspondence or legal notices being misdirected. For tenants, these same measures provide certainty that their lease is recognised by the authorities, that their residence application is supported by valid documents, and that they will not face delays caused by inaccurate records. On a broader level, deregistration and attestation help Identità maintain accurate address data, reduce the risk of fraud, and create a more efficient and transparent residency system for everyone involved.

For the latest updates on residency and compliance in Malta, follow us across our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. If you need personalised assistance, our team works closely with trusted legal and professional partners to make the process straightforward and stress-free. Contact us today to book your free 30-minute consultation.

Further Reads