Need EC AP? Read more details about applying for EC AP.

One of the essential aspects of a person’s life is their home. In addition to the emotional and financial benefits of owning a property, some risks are involved.

It is critical to have an encumbrance certificate to prove that a property is free and clear of any financial or legal obligations. An encumbrance certificate (EC) shows that a property is free of liabilities, enabling a quick sale and ownership change. This document typically outlines all the financial and legal transactions concerning a property over a specific time. The Registration and Stamp Department issues the encumbrance certificate AP (Andhra Pradesh).

Importance of an Encumbrance Certificate:

An encumbrance certificate has the following advantages:

• Provides legal assurance that your property is debt-free and that you are the only owner.
• The majority of banks in Andhra Pradesh need EC before offering a mortgage loan.
• If you want to sell your home or land soon, you must provide the buyer with the AP encumbrance certificate to finalize the transaction.
• An EC is required for the property mutation process (Khata Registration / Khata Transfer / Patta).
• A valid EC AP is required in Andhra Pradesh if the property payment comes from a provident fund.
• If your property/land tax submission is more than three years late, you must submit the EC to the Village/panchayat officer.

What information does the AP Encumbrance Certificate contain?

Any property-related transaction documented by the registrar will be examined and noted on the AP encumbrance certificate. The certificate, however, will only be valid for a specific period, and only transactions from that period will be evaluated.

The certificate only contains transactions that have got registered with the office like:

• The candidate’s name (the person who has submitted the EC application).
• The length of time that the EC is valid.
• The transactional details for the property.
• Detailed property information based on the sale deeds registered at the Registrar’s Sub-office. 
• The application form will also include all of the essential property details.
• The names of the buyer and seller will appear on the certificate. If several parties own the property, their names will appear here.

Processing costs:

The issuance of an Encumbrance Certificate depends upon collecting all factual details. If the property’s age is less than or equivalent to thirty years, the charge is Rs 200. If the period exceeds 30 years, the amount is Rs. 500.

What are the Various Types of Encumbrance Certificates?

Typically, the EC approval gets issued in Form 15 and Form 16.

• Form 15 is issued if the encumbrance of the property is within the specified time. It comprises information such as the type of the encumbrance, such as gift, partition, lease, and loan, the persons involved, the document’s registration number, and other facts arranged by date.
• Form 16 or ‘Nil Encumbrance Certificate (NEC)’ is given when there is no encumbrance on the property during the specified term.

What Documents Are Necessary to Obtain an Encumbrance Certificate?

The documents required for an encumbrance certificate are:

• Address proof for the applicant.
• Property registration certificate.
• Property information and title deed information.
• The property sale deed, gift deed, division deed, or release deed if a deed happened previously.
• The deed number upon registration comprises the date, book number, and the applicant’s signature.

How Much Time Does It Take to Get an Encumbrance Certificate?

You will get the certificate in about 15 to 30 days if you submit your application for an EC in person at a Sub-Registrar’s Office. However, if you submit your request for an EC AP online, you will get it quicker. Processing time for online applications is typically between two and three business days.

What is meant by the term “Encumbrance Search”?

Before purchasing a property, homeowners may use internet facilities provided by the Andhra Pradesh Registration Department to search the EC. However, only transactions that have taken place after January 1, 1983, are eligible for the online encumbrance certificate lookup tool. You may speak with the authorities at the SRO office if you need the EC before the specified deadline.

Online AP Encumbrance Certificate Steps:

Online encumbrance certificate searches only return information from 1983 onwards. You must contact the SRO office before you need any information or transaction data.

1. Visit the state’s registration and stamp website to get an AP encumbrance certificate.
2. Go to Online EC by clicking the link on your home page. The page redirects.
3. To join, click “Not a member? Once registered, return to the same page, log in, and click submit.
4. Under public online services, choose the EC apply Online to proceed.
5. Enter personal information, land details, EC period, and sub-registrar office details, then click Submit.
6. The next page will address Property. If the details are correct, click the following button. 
7. Following page displays signed/unsigned EC possibilities. If a signed certificate is needed, follow the page instructions.
8. The link will redirect if you choose an unsigned certificate on this page. To print/download EC, follow the page steps.

Offline AP Encumbrance Certificate Steps:

If you want information on the property before 1983, follow these steps:

1. Fill out form 22 to issue an EC application process offline.
2. The application also requires a Rs 2 non-judicial stamp.
3. Mention the address of the property for which you need the EC.
4. You must also explain why you require documentation.
5. Now provide the survey number, how long the AP encumbrance certificate should be, the property description, borders, and measurement data. ECs are a must for home loans. In this case, use 10 to 15 years.
6. You must also produce a government-issued ID and residence proof.
7. Submit documentation to SRO’s officer (Sub-Registrar Office).
8. Pay the fees. EC costs depend on how long you want it. A fraction of a year is an entire year.
9. The issuance of an EC might take between 10 and 30 days.

Summary:

The encumbrance certificate AP shows the entity’s legal and financial freedom. However, it doesn’t reveal information that the owner hasn’t registered with local authorities. Before buying a home, buyers should do a legal check and inquiry.