How to Apply for Encumbrance Certificate (EC) in Tamil Nadu?

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An encumbrance certificate is essential to establish ownership of any property. It also provides proof of any monetary or legal liabilities on the property with details of all transactions. So, how can citizens initiate the application procedure for an encumbrance certificate (EC) in Tamil Nadu? To make the application process easy for property owners, the TN Government allows citizens to apply through the TNREGINET online portal.

Read on to know how to apply for an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu online and offline, its importance, documents required

Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu

An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is an important document that proves the ownership of a property or land. It contains the buyer’s and seller’s information, detailed information about the property, important dates, etc. Encumbrance Certificate or Villangan Certificate is issued by the sun-registrar. Thankfully, property owners can easily obtain an Encumbrance Certificate online through the TNREGINET website. This is the official Tamil Nadu Government website for online registration.

Documents Required for Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu

• Property details
• Registration documents
• Details like district, zone, village, sub-registrar, sub-division number, built-up area, plot number, etc.

Confirm the details before proceeding to apply for an EC in Tamil Nadu online.

How to Apply for an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Government has established the IGRS online portal or TNREGINET to offer registration services for birth, marriage, death, etc. It also allows citizens of TN to apply for and view their encumbrance certificate (or villangam certificate) online. Follow these steps to apply for an encumbrance certificate via this portal:

How to Apply for Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu online

After the sub-registrar gives approval, you will get a digital copy of the EC in your account with a digital signature.

How to Apply for Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu Offline

People can also send an application for an EC offline at the office of the concerned sub-registrar by following these steps:

Step 1: Make sure that you have all necessary documents for proof of address, property ownership, details and title deed. 

Step 2: Next, you will have to collect the application form for EC certificate. You can download and print this from the official website of TNREGINET.

Step 3: Fill in the all required details and submit the form at the SRO office. 

Step 4: Finally, you will have to pay the required fees for the TN EC services. Upon payment of the fee, you will get a receipt for the same. 

Step 5: The documents will be checked for the verification of their legality. If there have been no transactions, you will receive a nil encumbrance certificate within a maximum of 30 days from the day of the application. 

Importance of the Encumbrance Certificate

An encumbrance certificate provides all details of financial and legal transactions with regard to property. It serves as evidence that the owner can sell a property with a clean title without being worried about litigation. For a property mortgaged with a financial institution, the EC will show the financial institution’s stake in it. 

This certificate is necessary for these situations: 

• It is necessary for getting property loans from financial institutions to make sure that it is not already mortgaged. 
• The EC, along with a possession certificate, can be used to prove ownership. 
• EC is mandatory for the mutation and selling of a property.
• You need an EC to make withdrawals from your provident fund (PF) for property purchase and home construction. 
• EC is necessary to update land tax if it is unpaid for more than three years.

How to Search and View an Encumbrance Certificate Online in Tamil Nadu?

To search for your property’s EC, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to the official portal of TNREGINET.

Step 2: Under ‘Encumbrance Certificate’, select ‘Search/View EC’.

Step 3: On the next page, you have three options to search the EC with — Document-wise, plot flat wise and EC.

Step 4: Select the data for the name of the zone, district, village and sub-registrar office.

Step 5: Enter the start and stop date, sub-division number etc.

Step 6: Enter the CAPTCHA code. After this, click the ‘Search’ option. 

Also Read: Home Loan For Under Construction Property

How to Obtain a Digitally Signed EC in Tamil Nadu?

Step 1: Visit the official website of TNREGINET.

Step 2: Go to the ‘e-Services’ drop-down menu.

Step 3: If you are a registered user select ‘Encumbrance Certificate’ and click on ‘Search and Apply EC’. if not, register on the TNREGINET first.

Step 4: Make payment for the EC. A digitally signed copy of EC can be downloaded from the ‘Request List’ tab.

Fees for Digitally Signed Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu

How to Download Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

Step 1: Visit the official website of TNREGINET.

Step 2: Select ‘Encumbrance Certificate’ under e-Services. Click on ‘View EC’

Step 3: Enter the required details to generate the EC.

Step 4: Download the EC or Villangam certificate to complete the process.

How to Track Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu Application Status

Step 1: Visit the TNeGA portal.

Step 2: Create a user ID.

Step 3: Log in to the portal.

Step 4: Click on ‘Check Status’.

Step 5: Enter Transaction Number/ Application number

Step 6: Click on ‘Fetch’ to check the status of EC application status.

How to Get Encumbrance Certificate Corrected in Tamil Nadu?

The information in the Encumbrance Certificate in TN may need rectification. In that case, you need to apply for rectification with proof to show the errors. However, it is best to be very careful while applying for an Encumbrance Certificate to avoid complications.

What is a Non-Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

If no transactions take place with respect to the property within the time period for which the EC is required, a non-encumbrance certificate is issued. This is also known as Nil Encumbrance Certificate.

Limitation of an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu

The main limitation of an EC in Tamil Nadu are:

• The EC allows only transactions to be reflected that took place within the time period. Any transaction before this period will not be reflected.
• Any oral agreement or arrangement, acquisition proceedings, unregistered documents and litigation in a court of law are not reflected in the EC.
• Tax arrears are not reflected in the EC.

Final Word

The encumbrance certificate is an important document showing the legal/financial status of a property. If you intend to sell/transfer property or get a mortgage loan against it, you will have to furnish this document. TNREGINET portal allows residents to view, apply and track the application status of an encumbrance certificate in Tamil Nadu. 

FAQs on Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu

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Disclaimer: This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.