Encumbrance Certificate

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Encumbrance Certificate

An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is an official document issued by the Sub-Registrar’s Office (SRO) that certifies whether a property is free from monetary/legal liabilities (like mortgages, loans, court attachments, or pending taxes). "In simple words: It proves the clear ownership and title status of a property. It is mandatory for property purchase, registration, and loans (home loan, mortgage, LAP)." It is mandatory for property purchase, registration, and loans (home loan, mortgage, LAP)

1. Form 15 EC (With Encumbrance)

  • Shows all registered transactions on the property during a specific period.
  • Includes sale deeds, mortgages, gift deeds, lease deeds, court orders.

2.Form 16 EC (Nil Encumbrance Certificate - NEC)t

  • Issued if no encumbrances/transactions are found in the requested period.
  • Commonly called “Nil EC”.

1.Application Form (available at Sub-Registrar Office or online portal of state).

2.Property Details

  • Property address (survey number, plot number, boundaries).
  • Title deed copy / sale deed copy / partition deed copy.

3.Ownership Details

  • Name of current owner(s).
  • Parent document number (first registered deed).

4.Identity Proof

  • Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Voter ID / Passport of applicant.

5.Other Documents (if applicable)

  • Power of Attorney (if representative applying).
  • Copy of previous EC (for extension).

6.Fee Payment Receipt (search fee for EC).

  • Individuals - Property buyers, sellers, legal heirs, loan applicants.
  • Businesses/Companies - Applying for property-based loans or purchasing commercial property.
  • Banks & Financial Institutions - For mortgage verification before sanctioning loans.
  • Government Agencies - For land acquisition, compensation, or dispute settlement.

  • Proof of Clear Title Ensures the property is not mortgaged, disputed, or attached by court/government.
  • Mandatory for Loans Required by banks for home loans, mortgage loans, and LAP.
  • Essential for Property Transactions Buyers use EC to verify seller's ownership and to avoid fraud.
  • Helps in Mutation & Tax Updates Used for updating land records, property tax registers, and municipal transfers.
  • Government Schemes Required when applying for subsidies, agricultural land loans, or development approvals.
 
     
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