Division of Property
The Division of Property manages and controls the Government's real property portfolio and its leasing services. These services include real property management, property acquisitions and disposals, lease administration, occupancy assignments, as well as easements and estoppels. The Property Division is responsible for all aspects of real estate negotiation, lease preparation, property inspections, survey, and appraisal of properties.
The Department of Property and Procurement - Division of Property is authorized by Title 3 V.I.C. § 218(a)(2), (5) & (8), 31 V.I.C. § 232(4), 31 V.I.C. §§ 201, 202, 205) to manage and control all Government real properties and assets to include acquisitions, dispositions, commercial leasing, and property distribution. The Property Division also manages all government leasehold contracts and government agencies' requests for office space. The Property Division is responsible for relative activities that involve all aspects of real estate negotiation, lease preparation, property inspection, appraisal, and survey of property.
Authority for exercising control and management of Government Property in the U.S. Virgin Islands is vested in the Commissioner of Property and Procurement. Section 201 of Title 31 of the Virgin Islands Code constitutes the basis for all actions by the Commissioner in matters relating to the management and control of public property.
The Property Division is also authorized to manage the acquisition and distribution of surplus property for the Government of the Virgin Islands pursuant to 3 V.I.C. Section 20 and 31 V.I.C. Section 242.
- The Division of Property administers 159 business & commercial leases with rent royalties valued over $3.4 million.
- This Division manages 14 accounts representing over $9.1 million in space management leasing for various government departments and agencies.
- The Government cannot renegotiate leases that are in full force and effect. The executed terms and conditions govern these agreements.Leases can only be renegotiated at the expiration, cancellation, or termination of an agreement.
- In an effort to ensure that the Government receives the full value of rental properties, the Department requests independent appraisal reports that contain market data that provides the Department with the information necessary to negotiate leases.
- Lease Administration
- Property Management
- Applicant Screening
- Commercial Negotiations
- Tenant Relations
- Rent Collection
- Lease Compliance Inspections
- Maintenance
- Drone Photography
The Property Division can be contacted directly via property@dpp.vi.gov.
The Commercial Leasing process begins with the submission of a completed Lease Application - applications must be accompanied with a $200 application for new leases and $100 for renewal leases. Once received the property Division will review and process, follow-up for additional information may be required before we are able to consider the applicant fully vetted. A recommendation is then made to the Commissioner of Property and Procurement for approval to negotiate terms. A meeting or series of meetings may then be held to finalize the lease term length, tenant improvements, rental amounts, special conditions, and other considerations between the tenant and the GVI. All leases in excess of one year must be ratified by the Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Space Management Leasing process begins with the submission of a completed Application for Lease Approval which is then reviewed by the Division of Property that takes into consideration the use of the space, available funding, number of staff, rate per square foot, build-out costs, utilities, and other considerations between the GVI on behalf of the user agency and the landlord. A favorable application is then forwarded for the Commissioner's approval and is followed by a justification letter if funding has not already been encumbered via Purchase Order. Standard processing time is 30 days or less once proof of funding and payment history (renewals) are submitted in a timely manner by the User Agency.
Current lessees can manage their accounts 24/7 via the AppFolio tenant portal via any internet-enabled device on USVILeasing.com to view their payment history, report a maintenance issue, view their lease and other important documents, in Fiscal year 2022 tenants will be able to make rental payments online.
The Division of Property is pleased to present its fully online property management platform and portfolio USVILeasing.com, which encourages economic development through the leasing of Government properties on all four main Virgin Islands.
All Government properties are managed by the Department as the custodian of all real properties. All leased properties are inspected monthly to ensure compliance with the lease terms and conditions by our team of Property Inspectors. Noncompliant tenants may be reported to VIWMA, and/or our sister agencies DPNR or DLCA for business deficiencies and/or environmental violations.
The Government's inventory of vacant properties may be viewed at USVILeasing.com. Property-related inquiries may be submitted online or via email at property@dpp.vi.gov.
Lessees may report maintenance issues via the AppFolio portal or contact our Property Team at property@dpp.vi.gov.
Jozette J. Cantois, CPM, GPM-RCA, Assistant Commissioner (STX)
Vincent Richards, Deputy Commissioner of Property & Printing (STT/STJ)
Warrington Chapman, Deputy Commissioner of Property (STX)
How can I see an inventory of properties the GVI owns?
How can I see an inventory of properties the GVI owns?
GVI owned properties are available on USVILeasing.com, MapGeoUSVI.com and Recorder of Deed archives
What does it cost to lease GVI owned property?
The cost varies based on the appraisals and is calculated based on the property type, condition, size, location and zoning.
Does the GVI sell real property?
The GVI pursuant to policy does NOT sell property but leases property through short or long-term lease agreements.
What is the difference between a short- term and long-term lease agreement?
A short-term agreement is for one (1) year or less, and a long-term agreement is for more than one (1) year.
How long does the Leasing process take?
After a proposal is submitted, accepted, and agreed upon by DPP and all required documentation is submitted it usually takes an average of three (3) months to process based on the appraisal time.
Who approves lease agreements?
Based on the properties terms and conditions involved, approval is sought from the Commissioner of DPP, Attorney General for legal sufficiency, Governor, and the VI Legislature (for all leases in excess of one year)
Does DPP cover the cost of renovations for leased business and commercial properties?
No, leaseholders are responsible for the renovation and build out of leased properties.
What are the requirements to lease Government properties?
Available properties may be found on USVILeasing.com
Can I purchase Government Property for residential use?
No.
Why does DPP have to repeatedly inspect GVI property being leased?
Lessees are responsible for all repairs and maintenance of the properties pursuant to the terms of the leases. DPP must inspect the properties to ensure Lessees are in compliance with the lease terms and to protect the Government’s interest.
Is Property & Procurement responsible for repairs on properties the Government is leasing from private landlords?
The Government is not responsible for structural or exterior repairs in Office leases. However, depending on the terms negotiated, the user agency may be responsible for minor interior repairs.
The Government is not responsible for structural or exterior repairs in Office leases. However, depending on the terms negotiated, the user agency may be responsible for minor interior repairs
The Government requires liability coverage to protect third parties, the Lessee and the Government in the event of injury or property damage.
Can a User Agency negotiate a lease without contacting the Department of Property and Procurement?
No. Pursuant to Title 31, Section 232(3) and Title 3, Section 218(a)(8) of the Virgin Islands Code, DPP is responsible for leasing office space on behalf of the Government. Therefore, all agencies must contact the Department of Property and Procurement – Division of Property for all leasing needs.
Are the Government’s buildings insured?
Yes, through commercial insurance for property damage and through the Government’s Self – Insurance mechanisms for third party liability.