Property Management Services
Patta Chitta and Encumbrance Certificate for NRIs
Clear land records for a clear title.
Quick answer
In Tamil Nadu, patta is the revenue record that shows who holds a piece of land, and an encumbrance certificate (EC) lists registered transactions on a property for a period. We4NRI helps NRIs get patta chitta copies, request name changes and apply for an EC.
Patta shows who holds the land in Tamil Nadu revenue records. An encumbrance certificate lists registered transactions. We help NRIs with both.
What this service covers
Two documents come up again and again when an NRI buys, sells or inherits property in Tamil Nadu: the patta and the encumbrance certificate. The patta records who is shown as the holder in the revenue records. The EC lists registered transactions on the property, such as sales and mortgages, for a period. Neither alone proves title, but both are usually asked for.
We4NRI helps NRIs in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu get patta chitta copies, check the details against the deed, request patta transfer or name change after a purchase or inheritance, and apply for an EC. Many of these services are available online, though some steps need a visit to the taluk or sub registrar office. Please check current rules, because portals and procedures change.
We work with NRIs in the USA, UAE, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Europe. Other states use different names for similar records, for example 7/12 extract in Maharashtra and khata in Karnataka, so tell us the state first. We are a private facilitator, not a government body or a law firm.
Who this is for
- NRIs buying or selling land or a house in Tamil Nadu who need the revenue record checked.
- New owners or heirs who need the patta moved to their name.
- Families who want an EC before they sign a sale or take a loan.
- Owners who see a mismatch between the deed and the patta details.
How it works, step by step
- 1
Locate the record
We find the village or town, survey number and patta number from your deed or earlier records.
- 2
Compare with the deed
We check names, extents and survey numbers between the patta, chitta and your documents and report mismatches.
- 3
Apply for transfer or correction
For a name change or correction, we prepare the application and documents for the revenue office.
- 4
Apply for the EC
We request the encumbrance certificate for the period your advocate advises, through the registration department.
- 5
Deliver and file
We send you scanned copies and keep the originals organised for your advocate.
Documents to keep ready
Tick what you already have. We will use it to focus your first call on what is missing.
Key facts at a glance
- Patta
- Revenue record showing the holder of land in Tamil Nadu
- Chitta
- Extract that lists land use and holder details alongside the patta
- EC
- Lists registered transactions on a property for a chosen period
- EC period
- Often 13 to 30 years is requested, though your advocate or lender sets the period
- Other states
- Records such as 7/12 extract, khata or record of rights serve similar purposes
Patta and EC at a glance
They answer different questions. Check current rules for your district.
| Point | Patta and chitta | Encumbrance certificate |
|---|---|---|
| What it shows | Who is recorded as holder in revenue records | Registered transactions on the property |
| Issued by | Revenue department | Registration department |
| Used for | Sale, mutation, loans, land use proof | Sale, loan, title check |
| Does it prove title | No, it supports it | No, it shows registered charges only |
| Change needed after purchase | Yes, patta transfer or name change | No, you request a fresh one when needed |
Mistakes to avoid
- Treating the patta as proof of title when it is a revenue record.
- Ignoring small mismatches in survey numbers or extents.
- Requesting an EC for too short a period for a sale or loan.
- Assuming that Tamil Nadu names and steps apply in other states.
Questions about patta and ec services
Patta is the revenue record showing the holder of a piece of land, and chitta is the extract listing land use and holder details. Many districts offer them online. We help NRIs find and read them against their deed.
Often yes, using the state land records portal with district, taluk, village and survey number. Some cases need a visit to the revenue office. Portals change, so we check the current process and get the copy for you.
After a purchase or inheritance, you apply to the revenue office with the deed or heir document and identity proof. The officer decides, and may inspect. We prepare the application and track it, but cannot promise the outcome or the time.
An EC is an official statement of registered transactions on a property for a period. It can show a sale or mortgage. It does not prove ownership by itself. Your advocate or lender usually asks for it before a sale or loan.
Practice differs. Many buyers and lenders ask for 13 to 30 years, and some ask for more. Ask your advocate or bank what they need. We can request it for the period you give us.
Other states use their own record names, such as 7/12 extract in Maharashtra or khata in Karnataka, and an EC may be called a different name. Tell us the state and we will say whether we can help.
Apply for a name change with your deed and proof of identity. Until the record is updated, buyers and lenders may question your title. We prepare the application and follow it. The revenue office makes the final decision.
Last updated 27 October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm the current position before we start your order.
Related services
Often needed together
Property Buying and Selling Services for NRIs
Check the paper trail before you commit the money.
Learn more
NRI Property Registration Services
Sign once, abroad or in Chennai, and let the paperwork follow.
Learn more
Legal Heir Certificate for NRIs
Proof of who inherits, without flying home to queue.
Learn moreReady to begin with patta and ec services?
Message us the document name and the office it is for. We reply with the route and a quote.