In the realm of property transactions, ensuring the legal clarity and authenticity of ownership documents is paramount. One such crucial document in Tamil Nadu is the Villangam Certificate, a specialised certificate that acts as proof of ownership and highlights any encumbrances related to a property. With the increasing digitization of government services, obtaining this certificate has become more streamlined, offering buyers and sellers confidence during property dealings. Whether you are a property owner, buyer, or legal professional, understanding the nuances of the Villangam Certificate can significantly ease the process of property verification and registration. Read on to know what an EC Villangam Certificate is, its types, how it differs from the standard Encumbrance Certificate (EC), and guides you through the process of obtaining it both online and offline in Tamil Nadu.
What is an EC Villangam Certificate?
The EC Villangam Certificate is a government-issued document in Tamil Nadu that verifies the ownership of a property and records all transactions related to it over a specific period. It is primarily issued by the Sub-Registrar’s office and serves as a crucial proof to check if the property is free from legal dues or encumbrances such as mortgages, loans, or court disputes.
This certificate is essential when buying or selling property, as it ensures transparency and helps avoid any legal complications post-purchase. The Villangam Certificate also aids financial institutions in assessing property ownership during loan approvals. Unlike other ownership documents, the Villangam Certificate provides a comprehensive history of the property’s transactions, making it indispensable for due diligence.
Types of Villangam Certificate (Form 15, Form 16 & Nil EC)
| Type of Villangam Certificate | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form 15 | Records details of property transactions within a specific period. | Used to check property history before purchase. |
| Form 16 | A certificate indicating no encumbrance on the property for the requested period. | Certifies the property is free from legal dues or mortgages. |
| Nil EC (No Encumbrance Certificate) | Indicates no transactions have been registered for the property within the specified timeframe. | Useful for newly registered or unsold properties. |
EC Villangam vs Encumbrance Certificate
Though often used interchangeably, the EC Villangam Certificate and the standard Encumbrance Certificate (EC) have subtle differences:
- Issuing authority:
Both certificates are issued by the Sub-Registrar’s office, but the Villangam Certificate is specifically a Tamil Nadu government-issued document. - Scope:
The Villangam Certificate records all registered property transactions and ownership details comprehensively, whereas the EC primarily focuses on confirming whether the property has any legal liabilities or encumbrances. - Formats:
Villangam Certificates come in forms such as Form 15, Form 16, and Nil EC, while EC is generally a single document certifying encumbrances. - Usage:
Villangam Certificate is widely used for legal clarity in Tamil Nadu property transactions, while EC is used across India as a standard legal document.
How to get a Villangam Certificate online via TNREGINET?
The Tamil Nadu government has digitised many property-related services via TNREGINET, an online portal managed by the Registration Department. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtain the Villangam Certificate online:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official TNREGINET portal |
| 2 | Register for a user account by providing required personal details. |
| 3 | Login using your credentials. |
| 4 | Navigate to the “Encumbrance Certificate” or “Villangam Certificate” section. |
| 5 | Select the type of certificate you want (Form 15, Form 16, or Nil EC). |
| 6 | Enter property details such as survey number, patta number, village, and district. |
| 7 | Choose the period for which you want the certificate. |
| 8 | Pay the applicable fee online through net banking, credit, or debit card. |
| 9 | Submit your application and note the acknowledgment number. |
| 10 | Download the certificate once it is processed or track the application status online. |
How to apply for EC Villangam offline?
If you prefer the offline method, you can obtain the Villangam Certificate from the Sub-Registrar office in your jurisdiction. Here’s how:
- Visit the sub-registrar office:
Go to the local Sub-Registrar office where the property is registered. - Collect application form:
Request the application form for the Villangam Certificate. - Fill in details:
Provide the necessary property details including survey number, owner’s name, and transaction period. - Attach documents:
Submit the required documents along with the form. - Pay the fees:
Pay the certificate fee in cash or through a demand draft. - Submit the application:
Submit your application and receive an acknowledgment receipt. - Processing time:
The certificate will typically be processed within 7 to 15 working days. - Collect the certificate:
Return to the office to collect the certificate or request postal delivery if available.
Documents required for Villangam Certificate
| Document name | Purpose | Required for |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity (Aadhar, Voter ID, Passport) | To verify applicant’s identity | Online & Offline |
| Proof of Ownership (Sale deed, Patta) | To verify property ownership | Online & Offline |
| Property Details (Survey number, Patta number) | To locate property records | Online & Offline |
| Application Form | To apply for Villangam Certificate | Offline |
| Payment Receipt/Proof of Fee Payment | To confirm fee submission | Online & Offline |
| Contact Details | For communication and certificate delivery | Online & Offline |
Conclusion
The Villangam Certificate is an essential document in Tamil Nadu’s property landscape, ensuring transparent and secure property transactions. By offering detailed ownership history and confirming the absence or presence of legal encumbrances, it safeguards buyers and sellers from potential disputes and legal issues. With the convenience of online application via TNREGINET, acquiring this certificate has become easier, quicker, and more accessible than ever before. However, traditional offline methods still serve those preferring personal visits or in cases of limited internet access. Before purchasing property, always verify the Villangam Certificate to confirm the legitimacy and history of the asset. Keeping all required documents ready and understanding the process can significantly reduce hassle and delays. Whether you opt for online or offline application, the Villangam Certificate plays a pivotal role in protecting your property rights and investment in Tamil Nadu.
Moreover, once you have a clear title confirmed through the Villangam Certificate, you can leverage your property to avail a loan against property. This financial option allows property owners to unlock funds for personal or business needs by using their property as collateral, often at competitive interest rates. So, securing your property documents not only ensures safe transactions but also opens doors to flexible financial solutions like loan against property by Bajaj Finance, providing you with liquidity without selling your asset.
