Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu – Uses, Application Process and Fees Applicable

When you have decided to buy a piece of land in Tamil Nadu, you should be aware of the term ‘encumbrance certificate’. It is one of the most important pieces of land-related evidence that provides information about the owner and transactions in a particular period.

With the advancement in information technology, availing of the encumbrance certificate in Tamil Nadu has become seamless and less time-consuming. However, before we get into the application process, let’s take a tour of what is an EC.

What Is an Encumbrance Certificate?

An encumbrance certificate is a legal document that the Sub-registrar issues under whose jurisdiction the property you buy falls. It breaks down ownership, transactions, and other details regarding the particular property. Further, it proves whether an entity is the property’s original owner while securing legal disputes if they may arise in the future.

What Information Is Available in an Encumbrance Certificate?

The following details are mentioned on an encumbrance certificate –

Property owner’s name
Details mentioned in sales deed
Details of transactions in a particular period
Documents related to the property
Mortgage details

How to Get an EC in Tamil Nadu?

An individual can apply for EC in Tamil Nadu online or in person by visiting their nearest Sub-registrar office. Go through the following procedures to grab your valid EC for the land you bought in Tamil Nadu.

How to Get an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu Online?

Following steps are to be followed to avail EC online in Tamil Nadu –

Step 1 – Go to the official website of Tamil Nadu Registration department.

Step 2 - Under ‘E-services’ category, click on ‘Encumbrance certificate’ and then ‘View EC’.

Step 3 – Update personal and property details as mandated on the redirected page.

Step 4 – Enter captcha and click on ‘Search’ and then ‘Apply online’.

Step 5 – In the next window, provide your name and contact details. Then proceed to the payment window.

Step 6 – On the E-payment screen, select a payment mode and pay the requisite fee.

How to Get an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu Offline?

The procedure to avail an EC in Tamil Nadu through offline route is as follows –

Step 1 – Visit your nearest Sub-registrar office.

Step 2 – Collect Form 22 of EC. Fill it with your particulars as per requirement.

Step 3 – Submit this form along with property details, title details, and other required documents.

Step 4 – Pay the fees applicable as per the set period of encumbrance.

After submission, the concerned officer will verify the legality of the details, and upon satisfaction, the acknowledgement slip is generated for the applicant.

Documents Required to Apply for EC in Tamil Nadu

Individuals must submit the following documents while applying for an EC in Tamil Nadu.

Attested copies of residence proof
Identity proofs
Property address, survey number, document number
Copy of any sale deed of the particular property
Purpose of EC application
Period of EC required
If an attorney holder applies, an attested copy of power of attorney is needed

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for an EC in Tamil Nadu

Applicants need to meet the following parameters to qualify for an EC in Tamil Nadu.

An individual who owns a land
Someone intending to buy a land
A person holding authorised signatory or power of attorney

What Are the Fees Necessary to Acquire an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

The table below highlights the charges applied to avail EC in Tamil Nadu.

Head	Charges
Application Fee	₹ 1
Computerised fee	₹ 100
General Search Fee for 1st Year	₹ 15
General search over Subsequent Years	₹ 5 added for each year

How to Track the Status of an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

Following are the steps to check the status of EC online –

Step 1- Visit the official portal of TNREGINET.

Step 2 – Scroll to the page’s bottom, and under ‘Encumbrance Certificate’, click on ‘Search/view EC’.

Step 3 – An alternate method would be to click on ‘E-services’ and then ‘Encumbrance Certificate’ and then click on ‘View EC’.

Step 4 – In the next window, checkmark the box against EC, enter the details and captcha and then click on ‘Search’.

Usage of Encumbrance Certificate

Here are the most common uses of an EC.

To prove land ownership
It can be used to avail loans from banks and financial institutions
The village officer can use this document to update the land records
This certificate can also be used for land mutation purposes
Can be used to buy a property

The Encumbrance certificate in Tamil Nadu legalises the ownership of land, thus curbing any land disputes that may arise in future. This article provides you with all the information on EC and procedures to apply it when you have or buy land in Tamil Nadu. Know about both the processes and choose a route at your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I view EC online in Tamil Nadu?

Visit the TNREGINET portal, hover over ‘e-services’, select ‘encumbrance certificate’, and click on ‘view EC’. Fill in the mandatory fields and click on ‘view’ to view the certificate.

✓ What is the cost of EC in Tamil Nadu?

The application fee for EC in Tamil Nadu is ₹ 1 and a computerised fee of ₹ 100. A general search for the 1st year costs ₹ 15 with ₹ 5 added every subsequent year.