What you need to know
- eLands is a new online payment system created by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) to assist property owners to manage their properties by paying land rent using an online platform and for DLPP to better manage their revenue collection and improve their service delivery into the future. The eLands online platform can be accessed here.
- The only thing you can do now on the eLands platform is pay land rent. All other payments for registrations will still have to be done over the counter until such time when payment can be done on the eLands platform.
- Payment method is via scheme cards. Cards that display Visa, Mastercard or Union Pay logos are accepted. Kina Bank card, MiBank card or ANZ Bank card are also accepted. DLPP are working toward having payment made through electronic funds transfer but it is not available at the moment.
- Once you create an eLands account, a property can be linked to the account. Statements can be obtained to confirm land rent outstanding and payment can be made online.
- A third party that has an eLands account can pay land rent on behalf of a property owner as a bill payer using the Business Reference Number of the property without linking a property to their eLands account.
What you need to do
- If you own a property, it is highly recommended that you establish an eLands account and link your properties to that account.
- It is highly recommended for property owners to have scheme cards and access to electronic funds transfer.
How to set up my eLands account
- Website - on the Website click on the "eLands" tab in red or "register for eLands" link on the home page.
- Options - options will be given for you to set up a business or an individual account. Select your option and complete the electronic form with your relevant details and submit.
- Login details - For your login details, it is recommended that a current email address be used as well as a strong password.
- Email address - Once you submit the completed electronic form, you will receive an email to verify your email address. Click the URL provided in the email to activate your email address.
- Account activation - Once you verify your email address, you will receive an email notifying you that your eLands account activation is successful. The email will also set out the next steps which include the identification verification process and the property link request.
- Identification verification process - Go back to the Website and login using your approved login details where you will have access to your eLands account. Follow the appropriate link and upload the relevant identification (ID) documents, for example, passport; national identity card etc. For a business account, the one who will be administering the account will have to upload their ID. Note that each ID document is worth a certain number of points. ID documents uploaded will have to reach 100 points for the for the ID verification to be successful.
- Confirmation of ID verification - You will receive an email notifying you that your ID verification is successful and you will be asked to link your property.
- Property link request - Go back to the website and login to your eLands account. Follow the appropriate link and populate your property description by entering the section and allotment numbers of the property or the portion number. Once you submit your property description, a BRN will be given.
- Confirmation of property link request - Upload the Owner's copy of the State lease as proof of your ownership or any other documents ( which will be listed when you go through the ID verification process so take note). There will be an option for you to select whether you are the property owner or the bill payer for you to select.
- Bill payer - If you are the bill payer requesting for the property of a third party to be linked to your eLands account, there will be a space for you to explain how you are authorised as the bill payer to link the property. You will have to upload supporting documents which include a copy of the certificate of incorporation of the company; a copy of the Owner's Copy of the State lease; a copy of the company extract; tax payer registration certificate containing the tax identification number and a letter of authorization (signed and sealed) from the entity you are to act as the bill payer for.
During the process of setting up an account, the turnaround time from DLPP will depend on your request. If you submit all required documents as indicated on the online platform, approvals will be given at the earliest. However, if DLPP requisitions further documents, they will send you an email notifying you of the additional information or supporting documents that they require.
If you do not respond to their requisitions, they will send follow up emails reminding you of their request. If you do not provide the requisitions by the requested time, they may close your request on the platform and you will have to resubmit a fresh request when you are ready.
Authors: Richard Flynn, Moana Nahuet
