Online Encumbrance / Villangam Certificate
Ensuring clear property ownership is crucial before buying, selling, or financing real estate. In Tamil Nadu, the Encumbrance Certificate (EC) serves as a legal affirmation that a property is free from any recorded liabilities. Fortunately, applying for and downloading an EC has become straightforward thanks to the TNREGINET portal. This guide walks you through each step, outlines the applicable fees, details how to pay online, and explains how to check your status all while keeping the process efficient and user-friendly.
The Encumbrance certificate (EC) is one of the most essential legal documents for properties which is used to verify the ownership of a property and its status with respect to any legal or financial encumbrances. It is issued by the state registration department.
The most important information needed in the EC is the name of the current owner of the property. While negotiating with the apparent property seller, it is very useful to check whether the seller is registered as the current owner of the property . The EC is also important when you are applying for a home loan or obtaining a loan against property or when you want to sell or buy a property.
An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) contains all the transactions relating to a particular property for a certain period (as required). These certificate also contains any claims or encumbrance on the property. Thus, EC is very important while buying a property, so that it is easy to verify that the property is free from all monetary or legal dues.
How to Get an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) Online in Tamil Nadu
Step 1: Register and Log In to TNREGINET
First, visit the official TNREGINET portal at tnreginet.gov.in. If you do not have an account, simply register as a new user by entering your details. Upon successful registration, log in with your credentials and complete the captcha challenge. Once logged in, navigate to the E‑Services menu and then select “Encumbrance Certificate” followed by “Search/View EC”. This is where the application begins.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Mode and Enter Property Details
Once you arrive at the EC search screen, you can choose between Document‑wise search, Plot/flat-wise, or the standard EC option. If you opt for the EC option, you must enter details such as zone, district, sub-registrar office, village, EC start and end dates, sub-division number, and survey number. Conversely, the document-wise method requires document number, year, SRO code, and other registration data. Then, after entering the captcha, click Search to proceed.
Step 3: View and Review the EC Output
Within seconds the system displays the EC. If the selected date range shows no registered transactions, the portal issues a Form 16 (Nil EC). Otherwise, it provides a Form 15, listing all property transactions such as sales, mortgages, leases, or power‑of‑attorney assignments. Both forms carry digital signatures and legal validity. Be sure to cross‑verify names and details with Patta or Chitta records to avoid possible discrepancies
Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fees and Download
You’ll need to pay nominal charges to download a certified copy. The application fee is just Re. 1, the first year search fee is ₹15, and each additional year costs ₹5. If your requested history covers the computerised period from 1987 onward, an additional ₹100 applies. Once payment goes through typically via SBI gateway using NEFT or RTGS and you can download the digitally signed EC from the Request List section.
Step 5: Check Your EC Application Status
After submission, you can track your EC status online. Simply log in and navigate to your Dashboard or Request List to view the progress. Most online applications complete in 2 to 5 working days, although delays occasionally occur due to backlog or technical glitches. In rare cases, the system may require manual approval at the sub‑registrar’s office. Then your EC Encumbrance Certificate online is ready with Authorisation.
How to get EC online – Easy Steps
1. Login to Tamil Nadu government official webstie tnreginet.gov.in. Before Applying for the EC online or any other document, the applicants should register on the Official Portal as a Citizen. After signing up, the person will become a registered user.
2. A registered user can now go to ‘E-services’ tab on the homepage, then click Encumbrance Certificate and then Search and apply EC.
3. Enters the EC search parameters with details
The applicant has to fill all the required details like
Location: Zone, district, sub-registrar office.
Time: EC Start date and EC end date.
Survey details: Village, survey number, subdivision number.
House details: Plot no, flat no, door no, ward, block, boundary details, extent and build-up area.
Additional details: Old survey no, TS no, old door no, declared owner, father’s name, any registered document.
4. Once the applicant fills all these details, he can proceed to entering the captcha to search for the EC/encumbrance certificate Tamil Nadu.
5. Once you click on ‘Search’, all the documents pertaining to the details that have been entered will be displayed. Proceed to ‘Apply Online’.
6. Enter your name, contact details and save it and proceed to pay.
Now the applicant can see the payment details, select the pay option to move to the e-payment screen.
7. Choose the bank from which the applicant wish to make the e-payment and pay.
Final Steps for EC Encumbrance Certificate online
Once your payment is successful, you will be provided with a bank reference number, CIN number and transaction ID. The applicant has to keep these details handy. Upon selection of the applicable data and approval of the application by the sub-registrar, the Payment details will be listed along with provision to generate Acknowledgment and the request will be sent to SR Office for further processing. Then, the encumbrance certificate will be sent to the applicant’s login ID with a QR code added in all the pages and a digital signature of the sub-registrar affixed in the end. An SMS notification will be sent to the applicant.
The applicant will be able to view the EC within a couple of hours.
Applicant can view and Download the Digitally Signed EC in their Login ID under E-Services->
Encumbrance Certificate->Request List.
Applicant can also scan the QR code present in the PDF to view the details of Application Number,
SRO Name and the URL to view the EC PDF.
Summary of the Online EC Process
- Visit tnreginet.gov.in
- Register or log in
- Navigate to E‑Services → Encumbrance Certificate → Search/View EC
- Choose search mode and input property details
- Solve captcha and click Search
- Review displayed EC (Form 15 or Form 16)
- Pay minimal fees via SBI gateway (online)
- Download the digitally signed EC from Request List
- Track status via your account dashboard
Common Tips and Troubleshooting
If you face issues logging in, verify your browser or device choice. Use Google Chrome, clear cookies and cache, and avoid VPN or Incognito mode because these settings may prevent OTP delivery or page functionality. Also, try accessing the portal during peak hours (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) to avoid timeouts. Some users reported smoother payment experiences using the SBI gateway over third-party options.
In cases where the portal is temporarily unavailable, such as server downtime or maintenance, online applications may stall indefinitely. Users in other states suggest that applying late at night or early morning sometimes works. Moreover, if you cannot locate your property via details, keep your original sale deed handy since the portal prompts you to enter a document reference number which must work.
Why EC Matters: Use Cases and Advantages
The Encumbrance Certificate confirms whether a property carries any financial or legal claims. Thus, it becomes essential for home loan approvals, property transactions, inheritance settlements, and mutation of records. Banks and courts alike rely on EC to verify that properties are liability‑free. Therefore, ordering one before a major transaction protects all parties involved.
EC Encumbrance Certificate online – Final Thoughts
Securing an Encumbrance Certificate online is fast, convenient, and cost‑effective. Due to minimal fees and no requirement to visit a sub‑registrar’s office in most cases you can efficiently complete due diligence from home. However, be prepared for glitches or delays occasionally. If difficulties persist, you may visit your regional sub‑registrar office with application reference for manual support.
For more details, consult the official Tamil Nadu TNREGINET portal: https://tnreginet.gov.in
You can also refer to this comprehensive guide provided by Housing.com for additional clarity.