What is a possession certificate and why do you need it?
A possession certificate is an official document issued by local authorities, such as municipal corporations or revenue departments, confirming that a person holds possession of a particular property. It establishes the fact that the property owner is in control of the land or property and is a step towards proving ownership. Understandingpossession meaningis crucial here, as it signifies the actual physical control or occupation of the property, even if the title deed might still be in process or under dispute. The possession certificate is often required when applying for loans, resolving property disputes, selling or transferring property, and ensuring legal standing in property-related matters. It is different from other documents like title deeds or occupancy certificates, but equally crucial for property-related legal matters.Key benefits of possession certificate download
Legal ownership proof: The possession certificate serves as a formal document to prove that the individual possesses the property.Financial assistance: A possession certificate is often required when applying for home loans or mortgages from financial institutions.
Dispute resolution: It can be used as evidence in property-related disputes, preventing unlawful encroachments or claims.
Transfer and sale: When selling or transferring property, a possession certificate helps establish rightful ownership and possession.
Smooth property transactions: It accelerates the process of property transactions by proving that you are the legitimate possessor.
How to download possession certificate online: Step-by-step process?
Downloading a possession certificate online is an easy and convenient process if you follow these steps:Visit the official portal: Go to the local government or revenue department's official website. Most states in India have an online portal where you can apply for a possession certificate.
Create an account: If you don't already have an account, you will need to create one using your email ID and phone number.
Select the possession certificate option: Find the section dedicated to property services or certificates. Look for "Possession Certificate" in the list of services.
Enter property details: Provide details of the property for which you want the certificate (e.g., address, survey number, and landowner information).
Upload documents: Upload all necessary documents such as land records, identity proof, and ownership documents.
Submit application: After filling in the required details and uploading documents, submit your application.
Download the certificate: Once the application is processed, you can download the possession certificate directly from the portal.
Eligibility criteria for possession certificate download
To download a possession certificate, you must meet the following criteria:Property ownership: You must be the legal owner or possessor of the property in question.
Land record verification: The land must be registered in your name in government land records.
Location: The property must fall under the jurisdiction of the local municipal or revenue authorities that issue possession certificates.
Payment of taxes: You must be up to date with property taxes or dues related to the land or property.
List of documents required for possession certificate application
Here are the key documents you will typically need when applying for a possession certificate:Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport.
Property ownership documents: Sale deed, gift deed, or title deed.
Property tax receipts: Proof of the latest paid property tax.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): Sometimes required from neighbours or local authorities.
Proof of residence: Utility bills like electricity or water bills.
Application form: Duly filled application form available on the portal.
State-wise possession certificate download process explained
The steps to download a possession certificate vary by state. Here I s a general outline:Visit the official portal: Go to the state’s designated land or revenue department website.
Create/ login to account: Register or log in using credentials.
Select possession certificate service: Navigate to property services and select "Possession Certificate."
Enter property details: Provide necessary information like survey number, property address, and ownership details.
Upload required documents: Submit documents such as identity proof, land records, and tax receipts.
Submit and download: Once verified, download the certificate from the portal.
How to check the status of your possession certificate application?
Once you've submitted your application for a possession certificate, you can track its status by following these steps:Log in to the portal: Visit the official portal where you submitted your application.
Select ‘Track Application Status’: Choose the option to track the status of your application.
Enter application details: Input the application number or registered ID to view the status.
Check status: The portal will display the current status of your application, such as "Under Processing" or "Certificate Issued."
Possession Certificate vs. Occupancy Certificate: Key differences
Feature | Possession certificate | Occupancy certificate |
Definition | Proof of possession of property or land | Proof that the building is ready for occupancy |
Issued by | Local revenue department or municipal authorities | Local municipal or building authorities |
Use case | Proof of ownership and legal possession | Required for new buildings or structures |
Relevance | Used in property disputes and financial dealings | Used for registration of properties with authorities |
Timing of issue | Issued after taking possession of the property | Issued after completion of construction |
Common issues in possession certificate download and how to fix them
Incorrect property details: Ensure all property details entered are accurate, including the land survey number and address.Incomplete documents: Double-check that all necessary documents, such as proof of identity and ownership, are uploaded correctly.
Technical errors: In case of technical glitches on the portal, try refreshing the page or contacting support for assistance.
Application rejection: If your application is rejected, review the rejection reason and rectify any errors before reapplying.