Possession Certificate

Possession Certificate, also referred as possession letter, is an essential document that a property seller gives to a property buyer stating the date of possession. It is usually issued by a Tehsildar (in rural areas) and Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in urban areas. Homebuyers can use the certificate to secure a home loan from a lender. Besides the name of the buyer and the date of possession, the certificate also includes the time frame within which the buyer has to make the final payment.

What is a Conditional Possession Letter?

Suppose, due to any reason, you aren’t entirely satisfied with the property though the building is in your possession. In such cases, you can get a conditional possession certificate or letter and write your complaints or grievances on the developer’s copy of the letter. After providing all the required details regarding your dissatisfaction with the property, you ask the developer to make the necessary rectifications as per the agreement. And in case the developer fails to meet the terms, you can take the matter to court.

What is the difference between an occupancy certificate and possession certificate?

A possession letter does not make the buyer the legal owner of the property. For that he/she needs to get an occupancy certificate, which not only gives him/her the rights of the property but also access to the civic amenities offered in the complex.

The possession letter also bears the period before which the owner has to make the final payment and take the possession of the property. The original copy of the possession letter needs to be produced for securing a home loan. An occupancy certificate, on the other hand, is issued by local authorities stating the completion of a project and that the building is fit to be occupied. It also states that the property has been built in compliance with the applicable bye-laws and rules. The certificate also gives homeowners the right to the property.

How to get a land possession certificate?

The process to get a land possession certificate may vary from one state to another. Usually, the process goes as follows:

• Visit the nearest Anchaladhikari office to get the application form. Alternatively, you can download the form from the Revenue and Land Reforms website of the respective State
• Fill out the application form with the required details
• Attach the required list of documents and submit it along with the form to the concerned office
• After submitting the document, the applicant will get an acknowledgement receipt. The receipt will have an application number, which can be used for future reference

FAQs

How much time does it take to get the possession certificate?

The time frame within which an applicant can get the possession certificate differs from one state to another. Once the form is submitted, the concerned authorities will conduct verification of the property. If all goes well, in about 7 to 10 days, the applicant will receive the possession certificate.

Is there a fee involved to get a possession certificate?

Yes, applicants need to pay a specific amount to get the possession certificate. The amount differs from one state to another. The fee also varies on the basis of other factors.

What are the documents required to get the possession certificate?

Following is the list of documents that applicants need to submit when applying for possession certificate:

• A copy of registered lease and sale deed agreement
• Proof of Identity or Ration card
• A copy of encumbrance certificate

What happens if I don’t have a possession certificate?

Possession certificate is mandatory to get a home loan. The certificate is also required when claiming income tax deductions on home loan. Without a possession certificate, your property will be considered illegal and can lead to penalty.