An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is one of the most essential documents in property transactions. It serves as official proof that a property is free from any legal or financial liabilities such as loans, mortgages, or ownership disputes. Whether you are purchasing a new home, applying for a home loan, or selling a property, the EC ensures transparency and legitimacy in every transaction.
With most state governments in India offering EC view and EC check online facilities, obtaining your certificate has become easier than ever. This document covers property transactions for up to 30 years, helping buyers and lenders confirm a property’s title status. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of an Encumbrance Certificate, its importance, the process to apply online, and the difference between Encumbrance and Non-Encumbrance Certificates.
An Encumbrance Certificate, also called an EC certificate, is an official document issued by the sub-registrar’s office (SRO) that certifies a property’s ownership and legal status. It confirms whether a property has any encumbrances such as unpaid dues, loans, or mortgages attached to it.
This certificate is especially vital for homebuyers and financial institutions as it ensures that the property has a clear title. Today, many states have introduced online EC check portals that simplify the process for buyers, sellers, and property investors.
An Encumbrance Certificate ensures a risk-free property purchase and verifies ownership history. It provides transparency and helps prevent legal disputes. Below are key reasons why EC is indispensable:
Without this certificate, you risk buying property with unpaid loans or hidden legal issues, which can result in loan rejection or ownership disputes later.
There are two types of Encumbrance Certificates issued by the Sub-Registrar’s Office (SRO):
|
Type |
Form |
Description |
|
Encumbrance Certificate |
Form 15 |
Issued when a property has recorded transactions such as sale, lease, gift, mortgage, or partition. |
|
Non-Encumbrance Certificate |
Form 16 |
Issued when no transaction or encumbrance is recorded against a property within a specific period. |
|
Aspect |
Encumbrance Certificate (Form 15) |
Non-Encumbrance Certificate (Form 16) |
|
Purpose |
To verify existing transactions |
To confirm the absence of transactions |
|
When Issued |
If property has any recorded dealings |
If no dealings or encumbrances exist |
|
Usage |
Property sale, mortgage, or loan approval |
Title verification or record proof |
Getting an Encumbrance Certificate online is now simple in most states. Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Process:
Go to your state’s property registration portal (e.g., TNReginet for Tamil Nadu).
Create an account or log in using your credentials.
Enter details such as property, buyer, seller, and the period for which EC is required.
Attach supporting documents like property papers, title deed, and ID proof.
Pay the prescribed fee online (usually ₹100 – ₹500 depending on the state and period).
The SRO verifies your details and issues either Form 15 or Form 16.
Once approved, download the EC and save it for your records.
Processing Time:
|
State |
Fee Range |
|
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana |
₹200 – ₹500 (depending on years) |
|
Kerala |
₹10 per sheet |
|
Maharashtra |
₹200 – ₹500 |
|
Delhi |
₹200 + depending on location |
|
Uttar Pradesh |
₹100 per 10 years |
Tracking EC Application Status
Once your application is submitted (online or offline), you’ll receive a reference number or acknowledgment ID. You can use this to track the Encumbrance Certificate status on your state’s official portal.
|
Stakeholder |
Benefit |
|
Buyer |
Confirms property is free from liabilities |
|
Seller |
Helps in faster and transparent sale |
|
Owner |
Validates ownership for loans and future sales |
Which States Offer EC View Online?
You can apply for online EC view in these states:
Karnataka’s Kaveri Online portal has been reintroduced (Kaveri 2.0) for EC applications after being offline temporarily.
Alternatives to EC for Property Title Verification
In case EC is not available, you can use:
Q1. What is the validity of an Encumbrance Certificate?
EC remains valid for the duration it’s issued for (e.g., 10–30 years), but banks may request a new one during loan processing.
Q2. Is EC mandatory for home loans?
Yes, lenders require EC to confirm the property’s ownership and ensure it’s free from liabilities.
Q3. Can I get my EC offline?
Yes, you can apply manually at your local Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) if online services are unavailable.
Q4. What is the difference between Form 15 and Form 16?
Form 15 indicates recorded transactions; Form 16 shows no encumbrances.
Q5. How can I check EC status online?’
Use your reference number on your state’s property registration portal to track the status.
Conclusion
An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is indispensable for every property transaction. It confirms that the property is free from legal or financial burdens, ensuring a smooth and transparent buying or selling experience. Whether you’re applying for a home loan or verifying ownership, performing an EC check online is a simple yet vital step in safeguarding your investment.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The information mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.
