What is Encumbrance Certificate in Property Buying?

Hi Shaunak,
1) First of all, download the Form 22. Affix it with Rs 2 non-judicial stamp and address to the Tahsildar, giving an attested copy of your residential address and the purpose for which the certificate is required.

2) Provide the details of ownership such as correct survey number and place where the property is situated. It is very important that the period and full description of the property are mentioned clearly in the application.

3) The requisite fee needs to be paid. The fee is to be paid according to the period of encumbrance. The encumbrance year commences from April 1st of a calendar and closes on March 31st, of the next calendar year. The EC is also usually provided in the regional language. An English translation may be obtained by paying an additional fee.

4) The application should be submitted to the jurisdictional sub-registrar's office, under which the property is registered.

The time taken to obtain an EC is usually 15-30 working days.

Good evening Niyati,
Government authorities and financial institutions like banks usually demand 10-15 yrs. of encumbrance. However, you can also ask for up to 30 yrs. encumbrance certificate to be checked. If you still have doubts, you can take a Possession Certificate of the ownership of the particular land, which is available from the village office.