A great sense of pride and tranquillity is brought about by property ownership. But with it comes paperwork, and one of the most significant documents you will require is the possession certificate. This document serves as formal proof that you’ve legally taken over the property and have the right to occupy and use it as the recognized owner.
Whether you’re applying for a loan, planning to sell, or transferring ownership, having the right documents in place is essential, and the possession certificate is one of them. In this article, you will come to know everything that you need to know about obtaining a possession certificate in Tamil Nadu, step by step.
Overview of the Possession Certificate
This document confirms that you physically occupy the property. Local governments or revenue authorities frequently issue it. It serves as a piece of essential evidence for legal or financial purposes. When compared to a sale deed or patta, it is entirely different. A patta validates land ownership, a sale deed records the legal transfer of title, and a possession certificate proves that the property is currently in your possession.
This certificate is particularly required for the following cases:
- To show that you legally possess the property when selling it
- For certain stages of home loan processing, especially if the property is part of a government scheme or is still under construction.
- When updating property records (mutation) to reflect your name in official land or municipal records.
- In government housing projects, it may also be required to get essential services like electricity and water or to complete the registration process
Having a possession certificate saves you from future legal issues and enhances your claim over the property.
Documents Required for Possession Certificate
Before applying, it’s best to gather all the documents needed. A bunch of incomplete documents are considered the leading causes for getting this certificate late. Here’s what you usually need:
- Sale deed or title deed (used as proof of Document for Land ownership)
- Recent property tax receipt
- Aadhaar card or any government ID proof
- Electricity bill or water bill (as address proof)
- Encumbrance certificate (EC)
- Application form (filled and signed)
- Affidavit declaring possession
- Passport-size photo
Note: Requirements might differ slightly based on your district. It’s better to consult your local Taluk office or the official website of the Tamil Nadu revenue department.
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for a Possession Certificate in Tamil Nadu
This certificate won’t be easy to get for everyone. If you need this, you must fulfil the following criteria to obtain this possession certificate.
- To receive this certificate, you must be the rightful owner or someone legally staying there with valid proof.
- The property must be under the jurisdiction of the issuing authority.
- The land or building should not be a part of any court case.
- It’s also important that all outstanding dues, such as property tax or water bills, are paid in full.
The current legal owner is typically the sole person to receive this certificate. Tenants and leaseholders are not eligible to claim this as they have only rental or lease agreements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Possession Certificate in Tamil Nadu
Applying for a possession certificate is pretty easy if you do it step by step:
- Check eligibility – Make sure that you are the owner or possessor of the property.
- Collect documents – Confirm that all the documents are attached as mentioned above.
- Choose application mode – Determine whether you want to apply offline or online.
- Complete the application – Provide accurate information, either online or in person at the Taluk office.
- Submit documents – Attach or upload the documents with the form.
- Pay the application fee – Complete the payment either online or at the revenue counter, depending on the method chosen.
- Verification – A physical survey of the property can be made by authorities to establish possession.
- Obtain certificate – After being verified and accepted, the certificate is issued. Either pick it up from the office or obtain it from the online portal.
Tip: Always keep a copy of the receipt or acknowledgement number for future tracking.
Online Application Process for Possession Certificate in Tamil Nadu
Applying online is quicker and avoids long queues. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the official Tamil Nadu e-services portal: https://eservices.tn.gov.in
- Once you’ve registered on the official portal, log in with your credentials.
- Under “Revenue Department,” select “Apply for Possession Certificate.”
- Enter all the details of the property like survey number, place, owner’s name, etc.
- Upload the scanned documents in the specified format.
- Pay the required application fee through the available online payment options (Net Banking, UPI, Debit/Credit Card).
- Put the acknowledgement number on paper and submit the application.
- Please use this acknowledgement number to inquire about the progress of your application.
- Download the possession certificate in PDF format following the sanction.
- This takes approximately 7–10 working days, depending on document verification and site inspection.
Offline Application Process for Possession Certificate in Tamil Nadu
In case you are more comfortable with the traditional approach or do not have a steady internet connection, you can certainly apply offline as well.
- Proceed to your nearby Taluk office or the Village Administrative Office (VAO).
- Request the possession certificate application form. Fill it up carefully.
- Affix photocopies of all the documents.
- Pay the required application fee at the counter
- Submit the form at the revenue department counter.
- Take the acknowledgement slip.
- Once there is a local inspection and document verification, you will be issued the certificate required, either personally or by mail.
- Save a copy for future use.
The offline process may take a few days longer than the online method.
Processing Time and Fees For Possession Certificate Application
Processing Time
You need to wait at least three to four weeks to obtain a possession certificate. The timeline for getting the certificate may vary depending on your document readiness, local holidays, and how busy the issuing office is.
Fees:
For this simple process, the government charges only a lower application fee that ranges between ₹100 and ₹500. If you file through a service centre or utilize a third-party agent, additional service charges might be applicable.
To ease the payment process, online payments can be accepted with a credit card, debit card, or net banking. Offline applicants may pay cash at the Taluk office or use a treasury challan.
Conclusion
Obtaining a possession certificate in Tamil Nadu is not as daunting as it seems. With proper documents and easy steps, you can do it hassle-free, online or at your local office. This certificate is not just a document—it’s a guarantee that the property belongs to you.
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