How to View EC Online in Tamil Nadu (Step-by-Step Guide)

An EC shows the legal ownership of a property when buying or selling property in Tamil Nadu, and requires verifying all legal documents and whether it has any pending loans, disputes, or liabilities. Earlier, people had to visit the Sub-Registrar’s Office (SRO) to obtain this certificate, but now you can view EC online in Tamil Nadu through the official portal. In this blog, we’ll guide you step by step on how to check and download your Encumbrance Certificate online.

What is an Encumbrance Certificate (EC)?

An Encumbrance Certificate is an official document that is issued by the Sub‑Registrar’s office, outlining the ownership chain of a parcel of land and listing any charges, mortgages, liens, or other legal restraints, whether a property is free from monetary or legal liabilities. Banks and financial institutions often demand EC before approving home loans. This document is indispensable when buying, selling, or mortgaging a property, as any burden on the title can affect transferability and usage. It also serves as solid proof of ownership for home‑loan applicants, sellers, and anyone seeking to raise a loan against the property. By the end of this article, you will understand: Why an EC is valuable, how to verify an EC online, how to download an EC online, what information the EC contains, etc.

Benefits of Viewing EC Online

Confirm Current Ownership: Shows who holds the title now and the succession of previous owners, assuring the seller has a legitimate right to transfer. Helps property buyers verify ownership before purchase.

Due diligence for Buyers & Lenders: Guarantees the property is free from disputes, outstanding claims, or financial liabilities before a purchase. 

Loan Processing Banks request an EC to ensure the land can be pledged as collateral without hidden charges. 

Legal Disputes: Serves as documentary evidence of ownership history and present status in court proceedings. 

Inheritance Matters: Confirms the title and checks for any encumbrances that could affect the succession process. Saves time by avoiding physical visits to the SRO.Quick access to property details from anywhere.

Investment Security: Protects buyers from unexpected claims.

Government/Legal Proceedings: Often needed in tax matters, succession cases, or any official inquiry concerning land ownership.

Types of Encumbrance Certificates  

1. Form 15 EC: Whenever there are registered transactions concerning the property within a selected period.   Provides a comprehensive list of all dealings, sales, purchases, mortgages, leases, gifts, partitions, etc., for up to 30 years.   Shows the entire transactional history and any active legal/financial obligations during the chosen timeframe. Applicants must visit the Sub‑Registrar’s office where the land is registered; this form is not obtainable online, and pay the prescribed fee.  This form will protect your interests and ensure a smooth transaction.
2. Form 16: Issued when there are no encumbrances or transactions recorded for the chosen period, confirming that the property is free of any liabilities. A Form 16 is generated when a land parcel has no registered encumbrances during the specified time frame. You can obtain a Form 16 if there are no documented transactions against the property for the requested period. This certificate shows that the property has no legal or financial obligations for that duration. Form 16 is especially helpful for buyers, as it assures that the land is clear of disputes and liabilities. It typically covers a long span, often exceeding 30 years.

How to Obtain an EC Online – Information You’ll Need  

To apply for an Encumbrance Certificate, you will need:  

• Completed “Form 22”
• Rs 2 stamp paper  
• Attested copy of address proof  
• Reason for requesting the certificate  
• Details of the property and its title  

Details on the property and its title document: For information on obtaining an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) in your locality, contact the nearby Sub‑Registrar’s Office. If a prior deed, such as a sale deed, gift deed, or deed, is already executed, the deed number, along with the registration date, number, and the applicant’s signature, must be included.  Then the applicant must sign and detail the property for which the EC is requested.

 Property Details  

• Location: Full address and plot boundaries.  
• Survey/Plot Number: Official land identification number.  
• Dimensions: Size of the land (area, frontage, etc.).  
• Issuance Date: When the EC was officially released.  
•  Signature & Seal: Authorised officer’s signature and the office seal confirming authenticity

When is an Encumbrance Certificate needed?  

The Sub‑Registrar having jurisdiction over the area where the unit is situated issues the EC for properties in Tamil Nadu. This is the office where both the current and former owners registered the land when they purchased it. The EC issued by the Sub‑Registrar contains comprehensive details of the property, including ownership, transfer history, mortgages, etc. In Tamil Nadu, an EC is generally required in the following cases:

• Current Owner(s): Name(s) appearing on the latest title.  
•  Previous Owner(s): Historical owners, if any, to track past transfers.
• Property mutation: After acquiring a property, the new owner must have the ownership change formally recorded through mutation. We should know the Name and address of the office that issues the certificate.  
•  Certificate Number: Unique identifier for the EC.  
• Apartment ownership: When buying a flat, an EC is needed to confirm that the seller is the rightful owner and that no loans are pending on the property.
• Mortgage of property: Banks typically request an EC before approving a home loan to verify existing charges on the property. Pending court fees, taxes, or other statutory liabilities, Ongoing or past lawsuits involving the land, Data on any loans taken against the land, or any additional rights transfers or encumbrances.  
• Utilisation of Provident Fund: If you draw from your PF for a home down‑payment, your employer will ask for an EC.
• Sale of a property: The seller must obtain the EC from government records and present it to the buyer.
• Transaction History(mandatory for an EC): Records of any sale deeds, Documents of property gifted to anyone, Details of any subdivision among heirs or parties, and Information on lease agreements.  

Obtaining an Encumbrance Certificate without going online

You can also apply for an EC via telephone. Submit a written application together with the required documents to the Sub‑Registrar’s Office. These documents should include address proof, property details, and title information, along with the applicable registration fee. Officials will verify the documents, and within a month of application, an EC for Tamil Nadu will be issued, accompanied by a reference (acknowledgement) number. This number can be used to track the status of your EC.00 Specify the time span the EC should cover (commonly the last 10‑15 years, or as required). All transactions and encumbrances within that window will be listed.  

Obtaining an EC from the Sub-Registrar’s Office  

If you prefer to apply EC offline. Visit the sub-registrar’s office by  following these steps:

1. Submit “Form 22” (available on the state land‑registration website).  
2. Attach a Rs 2 stamp paper, a notarised address proof, a statement of purpose, and the property’s title information.  
3. Pay the applicable fee.  
4. An inspector will examine all entries affecting the property for the selected period.  
5. The sub‑registrar will issue an EC on “Form 15” listing those entries, or a “Nil Encumbrance Certificate” on  “Form 16” if none are found.  

Processing usually takes 15‑30 days from the date of submission. Fees start from Rs 100, and the certificate issued will be in the regional language. If you want, an English translation can be made at an additional charge. It is advisable to secure both an EC and a possession certificate as proof of ownership.

How to Apply for an Online EC in Tamil Nadu  

Normally, ECs are obtained from the Sub‑Registrar Office where the property is situated, but they are also available online through the Tamil Nadu Government’s Registration Department portal. Follow these steps:

1. Login / Register: Access the “TN eSevai” or “TNREGINET” website.  

 official website. You can create an account by providing your personal govt ID. 

2. Select EC option: After logging in, go to the homepage and choose the “Encumbrance Certificate” service. Use the search function to initiate a request.
3. Enter property details: Fill in the location (zone, district, Sub‑Registrar office), survey details (village name, survey number, subdivision), and property specifics (plot/flat number, door number, boundary details, built‑up area, extent). Also, provide any previous survey numbers, the former owner’s name, the father’s name, and registration documents you possess.
4. Search and apply: Click the search button, then choose the “Apply Online” option.
5. Provide personal details: After the system generates the certified copy, click “EC download”, enter the application number and click “Calculate EC Fee”. Enter your name, contact number, and select your payment mode. Input e‑payment details and your bank information.
6. Complete payment and receive EC: After payment, note the bank reference number and transaction details. The EC will be emailed to you as a QR‑code link, and you will receive an SMS once officials approve it. You can also monitor the status in the “Request Lists” section under EC services. The online process typically takes 2–3 business days.

 

Why a Non‑Encumbrance Certificate Matters  

When purchasing a property, a non‑encumbrance ensures the confirmation of your property. This certificate helps you deal with a trustworthy seller who isn’t entangled in litigation or debt.  A property with a financial encumbrance, e.g., a pending home loan, cannot receive a true non‑encumbrance certificate until the loan is fully repaid. Likewise, a municipal authority cannot issue such a certificate if the property is involved in any legal dispute.

Checking the Status of Your EC Application  

The method for tracking your EC varies by portal. On the government site **https://tnreginet.gov.in/**:

• Navigate to the “Certificate” menu and select “EC Status”. 
•  Enter the “Transaction ID” provided at the time of filing, complete the captcha, and click “Check Status”.
• After the certificate is ready, you can download it as a PDF directly from the screen.

Expected status of your application: The timeline depends on the jurisdiction, typically taking within 1‑2 business days. Once the certificate is generated, you can download it from the state’s portal. 

Step-by-Step Guide to View EC Online in Tamil Nadu

Step 1: Go to the official website.

Open ”tnreginet.gov.in”.  

Step 2: Navigate to ‘E-Services’

Click on the E-Services tab on the homepage and select Encumbrance Certificate. Hover over “E‑Services” in the main menu.  

Step 3: Switch to English (top‑right corner) if needed.  

Step 4:Select “Encumbrance Certificate” There are Search EC  and View EC
Select View EC to check your certificate online.
Step 5:Choose “EC” from the options. Enter property details 

Fill in the required details such as:

• Zone
  
  
• District
  
  
• Sub-Registrar Office
  
  
• Village name
  
  
• Property details (Survey number / Flat number, etc.)
  
  

  

Step 6:Pick your Zone, District, and Sub‑Registrar Office via the dropdowns.  

Step 7. Enter the EC start and end dates.  

Step 8. Select your village (area) and input the Subdivision Number and Survey Number.  

 Step 9. Click ‘’Add, then enter the displayed security code.  

Step 10. Press ‘’Search’’ and wait for results.  The portal will display the EC records for the entered property details.

Step 11. The Encumbrance Certificate will appear on screen.  

Step 12. Select it and save the file to your computer for future use. You can download the EC in PDF or print it for your records.

EC View Online in Tamil Nadu – Verifying a Property’s Encumbrance Status 

People normally request an encumbrance certificate (EC) to confirm that a parcel of land or a building is clear of any legal or financial burdens. Typical encumbrances include mortgages, easements and property‑tax liens, which may arise from unpaid taxes, dues to contractors, or a previous owner’s loan. In essence, an encumbrance is a claim or right held by someone other than the owner—a charge on the asset by a third party. If the owner is repaying a house loan, the property carries a financial encumbrance, and the EC will list such charges. When any financial or legal liabilities exist on a property, you can obtain an EC through the online portal for Tamil Nadu.A property that bears an encumbrance is generally considered less valuable and its use may be restricted for the owner. After filing an EC request in Tamil Nadu, the online route typically takes about 5‑7 days, whereas the offline process may require 15‑30 days from the date of application until the certificate is issued. The EC will detail every transaction recorded against the property. If no entries are found, a “Nil Encumbrance Certificate” is issued. Should land tax be overdue for more than three years, the EC will require that the tax records be brought up to date.

 Period of Encumbrance: Applicants can specify a time span for which they need the EC. The certificate will then display only the transactions that occurred in that interval. Through the “EC View Online” service, you can retrieve a list of all registered dealings for the chosen period. The maximum period you may request is 30 years, which is the longest validity an EC can cover.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Cross-verify all details with the Sub-Registrar Office if you find any problems.
  
  
• Online EC is mostly for reference for legal or financial purposes; banks may ask for a digitally signed copy.
  
  
• Check the validity period of your EC before using it for transactions.
  
  

Final Thoughts

An Encumbrance Certificate is a legal document for a property. Viewing EC online in Tamil Nadu is an efficient process for property owners and buyers. By using the TNREGINET portal, you can save time and ensure that your property is legally clear. Always keep a copy of your EC handy before entering into any property deal or applying for a loan. An EC reveals any existing mortgage on a property at the time of issuance. It can be obtained from the Sub‑Registrar’s Office where the deed was originally registered.   

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