Encumbrance Certificate

Encumbrance Certification

What is Encumbrance Certificate?

Encumbrance certificate is a legal document which helps in finding out added costs associated with a property that you are looking to buy. To get an EC, search in your region’s sub-registrar’s office, or look for an EC online. Also know all about Occupancy Certificate.

Why is Encumbrance Certificate important?

The following are the reasons why an EC is important for anyone buying a new property:

• Once you get hold on an EC, search for the details associated with the property.
• Once you have found the EC, search for charges that could be mentioned on it. It is necessary to ensure that there are no legal or financial liabilities associated with the property.
• An encumbrance certificate would also help in finding out whether or not there is any existing other property owner with a right to claim it legally.
• In order to avail a loan for buying any property, an encumbrance certificate is required to be submitted to the lender.

When is Nil Encumbrance Certificate issued?

On applying for the encumbrance certificate online or at an office, you would be required to particularly specify for which time period you require information. In case there are zero charges associated with the property within this specified time period, a Nil Encumbrance Certificate would be issued to you. If that is the case, it means there are no liens that have been placed by any lender on the property.

How to Apply for Encumbrance Certificate Online?

There are different procedures for the application for an EC in different states. There are certain states in India which also have the facility of an EC online application. In case you are having trouble applying for an EC online, you would be required to visit the sub-registrar’s office to go through the regular offline mode of application.  The following is the process of applying for encumbrance certificate online:

Step 1:

To get an encumbrance, search for the official website for registration of your state.

Step 2:

To look for the application procedure of encumbrance, search for the option of application on the website and click on it.

Step 3:

Enter the details that are required on the form of encumbrance certificate online, and click on the option update/save.

Step 4:

Next, once the ‘calculation fee’ is paid, you will then find the 'acknowledgement' section. A print out of the same is to be taken.

Step 5:

Thereafter, there will be an inspection which is to be carried by an officer/inspector part of the lands records department, thereafter confirming all the required information about the property.After this inspection, the encumbrance certificate would be issued along with every transaction details that occurs within the specified time period. In case there are no transactions that occur within that time period, a Nil Encumbrance Certificate would be issued.

How to avail encumbrance certificate offline?

The following are the steps to be taken in order to avail an EC in the regular offline mode:

1. First you need to visit the office of your respective sub registrar.
2. Fill out Form 22 and submit it.
3. The details of the property, buyer’s and seller’s names would be required, among other details.
4. Then you have to pay the fee that is specified at the office counter.
5. Once you submit your application for encumbrance, search for the reference number or the acknowledgement number which is to be used to keep track of the current application status online.

Tracking the Encumbrance Certificate Status Online

 The following are the steps:

1. Click on "Certificate", select "Encumbrance Certificate", and click on "EC Status".
2. Provide the transaction details
3. Enter captcha and select "Check Status"

Your EC would then be provided on your screen. You would have to save and/or download it.

How fast can you get EC?

•  If you have applied for an encumbrance certificate online, it would take two to three days.
• If you have applied for an encumbrance certificate offline, it would take two to four weeks.

Hence, it is important to keep the above points about EC in mind in case you have plans to buy property. If you are planning on buying a property, you can avail home loans available on Finserv MARKETS. You can also enjoy flexible repayment tenure, along with top-up options.