TNREGINET – All Details to Download Encumbrance Certificate Online, View EC Online

When you plan for a property transaction or need to verify a property’s legal status, you must get an Encumbrance Certificate (EC), which is a crucial step but now TNREGINET is available for this. The Encumbrance Certificate acts as evidence of property ownership. It checks whether the property is clear of any legal liabilities or mortgages.

Previously, obtaining this certificate required multiple visits to government offices. This leads to long waiting times and major paperwork. However, with the introduction of Tnreginet, the process has become much more convenient. Here in this blog, we will guide you on how to download and view the Encumbrance Certificate online.

Understanding Encumbrance Certificate

An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is a legal document from the office of the sub-registrar. It is provided to verify that a property is free from any encumbrances. This can be both legal and financial obligations. It includes the details of all the registered transactions relating to the property.

On buying or selling a property, you can get the EC either through the TNREGINET portal or by visiting the sub-registrar’s office directly.

 Why is an Encumbrance Certificate Important?

=> Establishing Property Ownership

The EC validates the legal ownership of the property.

=> Applying for Loans

An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is required as proof for home loans or loans against the property. It serves as proof of ownership and confirms that the property is free from legal claims or financial liabilities, making it eligible for use as collateral.

=> Verifying Legal Status

The EC verifies the legal status of a property, ensuring there are no pending legal claims or disputes, which simplifies property transactions.

=> Applying for Property Mutation

This certificate is required for property mutation (Khata registration/transfer). And if land taxes are not paid in more than three years, it should be brought to the notice of the village or panchayat officer so that the tax records can be updated.

=> To Withdraw PF for Construction  Property Purchase

An EC may be required to withdraw Provident Fund (PF) money to purchase or construct a home.

=> Securing Legal Clearances

In some situations, an EC is required to secure legal approvals for property-related activities like property development, construction, or land conversion.

Encumbrance Certificate: Key Information

Details	Information
Issued by	The Sub-Registrar’s office is located in the region of the property.
EC Validity	Up to 30 years
EC Types	Form 15 and Form 16
Who Can Apply	Any person who owns a property or engages in transactions with a financial institution.
EC Processing Time in Tamil Nadu	2-3 days for online applications. 2-4 weeks for offline applications
Information Contained in an EC	The property owner’s name, relevant property documents, information from the sales deed, transaction names and dates within a particular period, and mortgage information.

Procedure to Acquire EC Online in Tamil Nadu

Required Documents

• Application status
• A certified copy of the applicant’s address verification document
• Property address details, including

1. 1. Survey number
   2. Patta number

•  Property registration documents like:

1. 1.     Deed
   2.     Book Numbers
   3.     Date
   4.     Applicant’s Signature

•  A copy of the

1. 1.     Sale
   2.     Partition
   3.     Release Deed (if applicable)

• Power of Attorney copy (if relevant)
• The purpose for applying for EC
• The Aadhaar card of the applicant
• Applicant’s signature

Steps To Apply

=> Step 1

First, you must register on the Tnreginet portal. If you already have an account in this portal you can simply log in. Otherwise, you can simply sign up to create your account.

=> Step 2

You need to register as a new user by filling in your information, consisting of

1.     Username
2.     Password
3.     Address
4.     Identification Number (PAN/Aadhaar/Driving License/other)
5.     Contact Information.

Once you have completed the signup process you will receive an OTP to the contact number you given.

=> Step 3

Authorities send you an email containing a verification link.

=> Step 4

Now you can login to TNREGINET portal once after you finish verification of your details.

=> Step 5

If you are a registered user, go to the ‘E-Services’ section on home page, and then select ‘Encumbrance Certificate’, then you can select ‘Search and Apply for EC.’

=> Step 6

You will have to fill in the below information:

• Location:

1. 1. District
   2. Zone
   3. Sub-Registrar Office

• Time: The start and end date of the EC.
• Details of the Survey:

1. 1. Village
   2. Survey Number
   3. Subdivision Number

• House details:

1. 1. Plot Number
   2. Flat Number
   3. Door Number
   4. Ward
   5. Block
   6. Boundary Details
   7. Extent
   8. Build-Up Area

• Additional details:

1. 1.     Old Survey Number
   2.     TS Number
   3.     Old Door Number
   4.     Declared Owner
   5.     Father’s Name
   6.     Any Registered Document

After filling these details you can enter the captcha code and then search EC.

=> Step 7

Once you have clicked on the ‘Search,’ icon the documents related to the entered details will appear.  Then click on ‘Apply Online.’

=> Step 8

After entering your name and contact details, you click on save. Then you can go to the payment process.

=> Step 9

Check the payment information once again and press the ‘pay’ button to get you into the e-payment screen.

=> Step 10

 Enter the necessary payment details, including

• Name
• Address
•  Sub-registrar office.

=> Step 11

Select the bank for e-payment to complete the transaction

=> Step 12

You will also be given a bank reference number, CIN number, and a transaction ID as soon as the payment is successful. Keep these details for future reference. Once the sub-registrar approves the application, the Encumbrance Certificate will be available in your login. The EC will include a QR code on each page and a digital signature from the sub-registrar. You will also receive an SMS notification.

You can view the digitally signed EC under ‘E-services,’ then select ‘Encumbrance Certificate,’ and finally go to ‘Request List.’

Final Thoughts

Obtaining an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is the most important step in property transactions. It acts as a proof of ownership and confirms that the property is free from any legal or financial encumbrances. With the convenience of Tnreginet, the process has become much easier and faster. You can easily access your EC online by following the outlined steps.

FAQs

1. Is it Possible to Apply For an EC for a Property Not Registered On TNREGINET?

Yes, you can, but you will need to visit the Sub-Registrar Office in person.

2. What is the Purpose of Form 22?

Form 22 is used to apply for an encumbrance certificate offline.

3. How to Update an Encumbrance Certificate in TamilNadu?

To update the EC, apply for a rectification deed with proof of the mistake. Major changes, like ownership history or transactions, cannot be modified as the documents submitted to the sub-registrar are permanent.