Short answer
An encumbrance certificate (EC) lists the registered transactions on a property, such as sales and mortgages, for the years you ask for. In Karnataka you apply on Kaveri: Form 15 is issued when there are transactions, Form 16 when there are none. Buyers usually check at least 13 to 15 years, and longer for older or high-value land.
Last checked 20 October 2026
Form 15 and Form 16
| Form | Means |
|---|---|
| Form 15 | Registered transactions were found for the period; each one is listed |
| Form 16 | No registered transactions in the period (a nil EC) |
How to get it on Kaveri
- Log in on Kaveri Online Services and choose Encumbrance Certificate.
- Enter the property details (district, Sub-Registrar office, village, survey or property number).
- Choose the period. Online records generally start from April 2004; earlier years are searched at the Sub-Registrar office.
- Pay the fee shown and download the digitally signed EC when it is ready.
What the EC does not show
- Unregistered agreements, GPAs that were not registered, or oral family arrangements.
- Court cases, unless registered against the property.
- Loans that were not registered at the Sub-Registrar office.
- So read it with the title deeds, the RTC or khata, and a lawyer's title check.
Questions people ask
- How many years of EC should I check?
- Usually at least 13 to 15 years; banks often ask for more for older properties.
- Is Form 16 better than Form 15?
- Not necessarily. Form 15 is normal for a property that has been bought and sold; what matters is that the transactions make sense and the seller is the latest owner.
- Can I get an EC online?
- Yes, on Kaveri Online Services for records from 2004 onward. Older records need a request at the Sub-Registrar office.
Sources
- Kaveri Online Services (Dept. of Stamps and Registration)
- Inspector General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamps, Karnataka
General information, not legal advice. Rates and rules change; confirm on the official portal or with a lawyer before you pay.
Related guides
Looking for a site or land?
Owner listings and approved projects around Doddaballapura, Devanahalli, Chikkaballapura and nearby, with one contact from first visit to registration.
Get alerts for new listings
Tell us what you want; we'll WhatsApp you when it's listed.