Possession Certificate: Meaning, Eligibility & Documents Process

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In the vast realm of property ownership, there's one key player that we often don’t notice but holds immense importance - the possession certificate. Possession certificates are vital legal documents in property matters that play an indispensable role in confirming the ownership of property, and providing legal proof to the owner.

Whether you're buying a home or securing a piece of land, understanding what this certificate is and how it works, will arm you with the knowledge to safeguard your rights as a property owner. In this blog, we break down the meaning of possession, explore the importance and types of possession certificates, and guide you through the application process. Happy reading!

What is the Meaning of Possession

In the context of property ownership, possession, meaning ownership, refers to the legal control a person exercises over a property. It's not merely about physical control, but also relates to the right to use and enjoy the property freely. In the context of a property it refers to:

The Control over a Property: Ownership or control over the property, be it land or a house.
A Legal Standing: It signifies the legal standing in a property deal.

For instance, if Rahul has the possession of a flat, he has the legal right to occupy it.

What is Possession Certificate Meaning and Its Importance

The Possession certificate is a legal document provided by your local governing authority once you purchase a property. It certifies that you are the rightful owner of a property. It ensures the following:

Legal Ownership: Confirms legal ownership of a property.
Avoid Disputes: Helps to avoid legal disputes related to property.

Documents Required for Possession Certificate

Just like any other legal proceeding, the documents required for possession certificates are crucial in making sure that the property transaction is indeed legal. Here is everything you need:

Identity Proof: Such as your Aadhar Card or Voter ID.
Sale Deed: Proving the sale and purchase of property.
Land Records: For establishing the lineage of the property.
Building Completion Certificate (BCC): it is issued by the municipal corporation for a newly constructed building
Property Tax Receipts: To confirm all dues are clear.

Also Read- How to Sell Your Property in the Pagdi System & Buy a Dream Home?

Learn the Difference Between Possession Certificate, Occupancy Certificate, and Completion Certificate

Given the importance of this document, it is crucial to know the differences between Possession Certificate, Occupancy Certificate, and a Completion Certificate.

Parameters	Possession Certificate (PC)	Occupancy Certificate (OC)	Completion Certificate (CC)
When it is used	Generally issued when the property is ready for possession	After the property is constructed and is complies with the building codes (after the CC is issued)	Issued upon completion of the construction according to the approved building plan (the building needs a cc to apply for OC)
Who issues it	Local municipal authority (RDOs in urban setups and Tehsildars in rural setups)	Building proposal department of the municipal corporation	Local town planning or municipal authorities
What does it signify	Certifies the legal ownership of a property	Grants legal permission to occupy a completed building to the buyer	Confirms that the property adheres to approved building plans and regulations
Use in loans	Often required for documents required for home loan	Rarely required for loan purposes	Not required for loans

For example, Ravi might need a Possession Certificate when apply for home loan, but not a Completion or Occupancy Certificate. On the other hand, before moving into his newly built home, he would require the Occupancy Certificate, ensuring that the construction complies with all legal norms and is a safe place to live in. A Completion Certificate would then confirm that the property was constructed according to the plans that were approved, maintaining structural integrity.

Explain How to Apply for Possession Certificate Online

A. Advantages of Online Application

Applying for possession certificate online has several benefits:

Saves time: It's time-saving, enabling faster processing compared to traditional methods.
Increases accessibility: You can apply from anywhere, whether at home or on the go, without the need to visit an office.
Involves less paperwork: Online application minimises paperwork, enhances efficiency, and can be tailored to specific needs and locations.

B. Government Platforms and Portals

India has several government platforms that allow you to download possession certificates.

The E-District Portal is dedicated to district-specific applications, allowing localised access to services.
The Meeseva Portal serves various citizen services, including land-related certificates.

Both are user-friendly, ensuring that you can quickly obtain the necessary documents required for getting your possession certificate.

C. Walkthrough of the Online Application Process

Now that you understand possession meaning, where to apply for the certificate and how it is different from OC and CC, let’s look at the application process.

Visit the Portal: Like the E-District or Meeseva Portal.
Register/Login: Using your credentials.
Fill out the Form: Input all required information.
Upload Documents: Upload all the documents required
Pay the Fees: It is usually nominal.
Submit and Track: Monitor your application status.

Also Read- MCLR v/s RLLR - Difference Between These Two Home Loan Interest Rate Terms

How to Check the Possession Certificate Status

Knowing how to apply for a possession certificate online is only the first step in this journey. It is equally important to track your application. Various government portals like the E-District Portal and the Meeseva Portal allow tracking in real-time. These portals are handy for not just answering the, "how to apply for possession certificate" part, but also serve other important purposes.

● E-District Portal

The E-District Portal offers state-specific services, including land possession certificate, making it a focal point for state-level documentation.

● Meeseva Portal:

The Meeseva Portal caters to a wider audience by providing an extensive range of services across various states, including birth certificates, utility payments, and land-related documents.

Other Important Certificates

Encumbrance Certificate	Occupancy Certificate
Non-Encumbrance Certificate	Completion Certificate
Conversion Certificate	Commencement Certificate

Conclusion

In summary, understanding possession certificate meaning and how to get possession certificate is crucial for any property owner. From its meaning and importance to the application process itself, this guide offers comprehensive insights into the topic.

Whether buying, selling, or using a property as collateral, the possession certificate is a key legal document and your fundamental right of ownership.

Possession Certificate FAQs

What types of properties require Possession Certificates?

Possession Certificates are generally required for newly acquired or constructed properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. It serves as legal proof of ownership. A land possession certificate is required for newly acquired lands.

Can I use my Possession Certificate as collateral for a loan?

Yes, you can use your Possession Certificate as collateral for a loan. It provides the lender assurance about the legality of the property, thus making them eligible for securing a loan.

What are the different types of Possession Certificates available?

Possession Certificates may vary based on the type of property, such as residential, commercial, or agricultural. The specific type is usually determined by local regulations and the property's intended use.

Are there any online platforms that can help me check the authenticity of my possession certificate for house?

Yes, various government portals and websites allow you to verify the authenticity of your Possession Certificate, including the E-District Portal and Meeseva Portal, ensuring it complies with legal standards.

What happens if I lose my Possession Certificate?

If you lose your Possession Certificate, you should immediately file a non-traceable report and re-apply for a duplicate certificate through the respective government portal or local authorities.

Can I apply for a Possession Certificate online?

Yes, you can apply for a Possession Certificate online through government platforms like E-District Portal or Meeseva Portal. The process is usually simple, requiring registration, form filling, document uploading, and fee payment.

Can Possession Certificate be used as a replacement for a Building Completion Certificate (BCC)?

No, the Possession Certificate cannot replace a Building Completion Certificate (BCC). The BCC confirms that construction complies with approved plans, while the Possession Certificate verifies legal ownership. Both documents serve different legal purposes.