(DPL) — The Department of Public Lands reaffirms its commitment to supporting homesteaders and promoting transparency in the Village Homestead Program. Recent public laws (PL 23-34, PL 21-15, and PL 20-05) clarify the conditions for permit revocation and the time allowed for deed issuance. Under these laws, a permit cannot be revoked solely because the permittee later acquired land. If the permittee has met all conditions and the grace period has expired, a deed must be issued within 45 days. The laws also allow exemptions from housing construction requirements if basic infrastructure — such as water, power, or sewage — is unavailable.
Generally, every homestead permit holder — whether under the village or agricultural program — is required to follow the public land rules and regulations, including recent amendments, to avoid revocation of their permit. DPL retains the authority to revoke a permit when a homesteader fails to comply with essential program requirements. For instance, a permit may be revoked if the land is not being used as intended — such as when agricultural activity does not begin within 90 days or when no home is built within two years for village lots. Permits may also be revoked if the land is neglected, abandoned, or not maintained in a clean and safe condition. In cases where a permit holder unlawfully sells, leases, or allows others to occupy the land without permission, DPL may take enforcement action. Additionally, if two individuals with separate permits marry, one of the permits must be canceled in accordance with program policy. Lastly, any permit obtained through false or misleading information is subject to revocation.
The absence of infrastructure — such as water, power, or sewer connections — does not exempt a permittee from the responsibility of maintaining their homestead lot. Even in areas without utilities, permit holders must keep the property clean and cared for during the three-year permit period. To remain in good standing, they should also be prepared to show documentation, such as a denial of a building permit due to the lack of essential infrastructure. Importantly, this does not prevent a permittee from receiving a deed earlier, once the statutory grace period has passed — provided they have built a home and are using the property as their primary residence. Conversely, in areas where infrastructure is available, homesteaders are expected to fulfill all program requirements, including the construction and occupation of a home, before they are eligible to receive a deed.
When permittees are found to be out of compliance during a routine inspection by DPL, they are formally notified and may be granted a written warning or a deadline extension to correct the issue. However, ongoing or unresolved violations — despite these opportunities to comply — can ultimately result in permit revocation. Permittees who find themselves at risk of revocation are encouraged to act early. They may request a waiver if exceptional circumstances — such as a natural disaster or active military service — have prevented them from meeting the program requirements. If a permit is revoked, the individual has the right to appeal the decision through the DPL hearing officer.
As an alternative, DPL offers the option of voluntary surrender. This allows the land to be reassigned to another qualified applicant who is ready and able to build, while also giving the original permittee the opportunity to return to the applicant pool. However, those who surrender their permit must undergo the full re-qualification process, just like new applicants. This includes verifying that they are still landless and subjecting them to the same vetting standards as other candidates.
DPL strongly encourages at-risk permit holders to consider voluntary surrender as a responsible path forward — one that preserves future eligibility while also opening the door for another family in need of a homestead.
“We have a long waiting list of NMD applicants eagerly waiting for homestead land,” said Acting Secretary Sixto K. Igisomar. “If you are not ready to build, voluntarily surrendering your permit allows us to reassign land to someone prepared today.”
Current waitlist numbers: Tinian: 621 applicants, Rota: 723 applicants, and Saipan: 2,146 applicants.
For inquiries or to voluntarily surrender a permit, contact the DPL Homestead Division at (670) 234-3751 on Saipan, (670) 433-9245 on Tinian and (670) 532-9431 on Rota.
