Discover the key to property transparency in Tamil Nadu with the essential encumbrance certificate. Acting as a historical record for properties, this document reveals any existing claims or liabilities. With TNREGINET, an intuitive online platform provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu, acquiring this crucial document has never been easier. By simply entering your details and clicking submit, you can unlock valuable property insights with unparalleled convenience and transparency.
In this guide, we will look into everything one should know about TNREGINET and how to apply for it online.
What is an Encumbrance Certificate?
The encumbrance certificate is a legal paper provided by the sub-registrar in charge of the property’s area. This document holds information about the property’s ownership, past transactions, and other relevant particulars. In Tamil Nadu, this certificate, often abbreviated as EC, serves as credible evidence to confirm a person’s rightful ownership of the property and plays a crucial role in averting legal conflicts.
Different Types of Encumbrance Certificates
When it comes to obtaining an encumbrance certificate, there are two main types that are issued by the sub-registrar office (SRO): Form 15 and Form 16.
Form 15: This type of encumbrance certificate, also known as Form 15, is issued when a property has been involved in transactions such as inheritance, sale, purchase, lease, loan, gifting, relinquishment, or partition. The SRO provides the encumbrance details related to these transactions in Form 15.
Form 16: When a property does not have any registered encumbrances or transactions at the time of the certificate application, the SRO issues an encumbrance certificate on Form 16. Form 16 is commonly referred to as a nil-encumbrance certificate as it confirms no recorded encumbrances on the property.
Why is it Important to Have an Encumbrance Certificate?
- Proof of ownership
An Encumbrance Certificate serves as an important document that provides proof of ownership for a property. It indicates that the property is free from any legal or financial liabilities, such as mortgages, liens, or pending loans.
- Legal protection
When purchasing a property, it is crucial to ensure that there are no encumbrances or disputes associated with it. The EC helps in verifying the legal status of the property and ensures that there are no legal claims or pending litigations against it. This offers protection against any future legal complications or disputes.
- Smooth property transactions
When buying or selling a property, potential buyers or banks often require an EC to verify the ownership and legality of the property. The absence of encumbrances ensures a smooth and hassle-free property transaction process.
- Availing loans and mortgages
Financial institutions, including banks, typically require an Encumbrance Certificate as a mandatory document when applying for a loan or mortgage against a property. It helps lenders assess the property’s value and ascertain its clear title, ensuring a secure transaction.
- Securing legal clearances
In certain cases, an EC is necessary for obtaining legal clearances from government authorities for property-related transactions, such as property development, construction, or land conversion. The certificate establishes that the property has no pending legal issues, making the process smoother and quicker.
- Prevention of fraud and scams
The EC serves as an important deterrent against fraudulent activities related to property transactions. By obtaining an Encumbrance Certificate, buyers can be assured that the property they are investing in is legally sound and free from any hidden liabilities or claims.
How to Apply for Encumbrance Certificate Online in Tamil Nadu?
- Begin by registering on the TNREGINET portal to initiate the application process. If you’re already a registered user, sign in; otherwise, sign up to access the services.
- For first-time users, signing up involves providing essential details like username, password, address, and identification number (PAN/Aadhaar/driving license/others), along with contact information. After successful sign-up, an OTP will be sent to your provided contact number. Keep an eye on your screen for a verification link in your email inbox.
- Once your details are verified, you can log in to the TNREGINET portal.
- Now, navigate to ‘Encumbrance Certificate’ and proceed to ‘Search and apply EC.’
- In this section, you’ll need to input the following details:
- Location: Zone, district, sub-registrar office.
- Time: EC start date and EC end date.
- Survey details: Village, survey number, subdivision number.
- House details: Plot number, flat number, door number, ward, block, boundary details, extent, and build-up area.
- Additional details: Old survey number, TS number, old door number, declared owner, father’s name, any registered document.
Once entered, complete the captcha and search for the EC (encumbrance certificate) for Tamil Nadu.
- Upon clicking ‘Search,’ documents corresponding to the entered details will be displayed. Proceed to ‘Apply Online.’
- Enter your name, contact details, save the information, and continue to the payment section.
- Review your payment details, select the payment option, and proceed to the e-payment screen.
- In the e-payment section, provide details such as your name, address, and sub-registrar office.
- Choose your desired bank for e-payment and complete the payment process.
- Upon successful payment, you’ll receive a bank reference number, CIN number, and transaction ID. Keep these details accessible.
- After selecting the applicable data and the sub-registrar’s approval, the encumbrance certificate with a QR code on all pages and the sub-registrar’s digital signature at the end will be accessible in your login. An SMS notification will also be sent to you.
Documents Required to Apply for Encumbrance Certificate Offline in Tamil Nadu
To apply for an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) or Villangam certificate, you will need to provide the following documents:
- An attested copy of your address proof.
- Details pertaining to the property for which you are applying for the certificate.
- Title details, including ownership documents and any relevant legal records.
Steps to Apply for Encumbrance Certificate Offline in Tamil Nadu
- Submit the required documents along with an application at the sub-registrar’s office.
- The relevant authority will carefully review all the documents to ensure their legal validity.
- After the review process, an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) will be issued. It will contain details of all transactions associated with the property. In case there are no transactions, a Nil Encumbrance Certificate will be issued.
Note that the issuance of the certificate may take approximately 15-30 days from the date of application.
How to View/Download Tamil Nadu Encumbrance Certificate?
- Begin by accessing the official TNREGINET portal.
- On the homepage, navigate to the ‘Encumbrance Certificate’ section located at the screen. Click on the ‘Search/View EC’ tab.
- You will be prompted to provide specific information by selecting either ‘EC’, ‘Document-wise’, or ‘Plot-wise’ options.
- After selecting “EC”, you will need to fill in the required fields such as the village, EC start date, EC end date, Sub-Registrar Office, zone, district, and other relevant information.
- After entering the necessary details, click on the “search” button.
- Enter the CAPTCHA code and click on the ‘Search’ button.
The system will generate and display the Encumbrance Certificate instantly for your reference.
Why and When is an Encumbrance Certificate Required?
An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) plays a vital role in verifying if the property you intend to buy is free from any legal or financial liabilities, such as liens or outstanding loans. By obtaining an EC, you can identify any charges or claims on the property and take the necessary steps to rectify them before proceeding with the purchase. This ensures that you are the rightful owner without any potential legal disputes.
Moreover, lending institutions often require an EC when applying for a loan against property or a home loan. It serves as proof that the property is free from any encumbrances and provides assurance to the lender. In addition to property transactions, EC documents are also necessary for purposes like mutation of property (Khata Registration/Khata Transfer/Patta). If property or land taxes have not been paid for more than three years, the certificates are shared with the Village/Panchayat Officer to update the land tax records.
Furthermore, Encumbrance Certificates may be required for various other situations, including the sale of the property, withdrawal of PF for a property, home construction, and property purchase. By obtaining an EC, you can ensure the legality and financial security of your property transactions and avoid potential complications in the future.
