Patta and Chitta: Property Documents for Tamil Nadu Buyers
Guide to Patta and Chitta documents in Tamil Nadu — what they are, how to verify, online check process, and why they matter for Chennai property buyers.
What Are Patta and Chitta?
Tamil Nadu uses unique revenue documents that buyers from other states may not be familiar with.
Patta (Pattadar Passbook): A revenue document issued by the Tahsildar confirming who is recorded as the owner of the land. It contains: owner name, survey number, land area, and classification.
Chitta: A document maintained by the Revenue Department showing the type of land (wet, dry, garden, residential, etc.) and its classification for revenue purposes.
Adangal: The village account register maintained by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) showing cultivation details, ownership, and land classification.
How to Verify Online
- Visit tnlandsurvey.tn.gov.in
- Select district, taluk, and village
- Enter survey number
- View Patta details — owner name, area, classification
- Cross-verify with Chitta classification
What to Check
| Document | Key Verification | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Patta | Owner name matches seller | Name mismatch |
| Chitta | Land classified as residential | Shows agricultural/government |
| Adangal | Consistent with Patta | Discrepancies in area or owner |
| EC | No encumbrances | Active mortgages or liens |
Patta Transfer Process
After purchasing property, transfer Patta to your name:
- Apply to Tahsildar office with sale deed, old Patta, and EC
- Submit Form for mutation
- Tahsildar verifies and issues new Patta
- Timeline: 30-90 days
- Important: Apply within 6 months of registration
Types of Land in Tamil Nadu
| Type | Description | Can You Build? |
|---|---|---|
| Natham (settlement) | Village settlement land | Yes |
| Punjai (dry) | Dry agricultural land | After conversion |
| Nanjai (wet) | Irrigated agricultural land | Very difficult to convert |
| Poramboke | Government land | No — cannot be sold |
| Inam | Grant land | Complex — legal review needed |
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poramboke land sold as private — common fraud in Chennai outskirts
- Patta not in seller's name — mutation not completed
- Chitta shows agricultural but property marketed as residential — conversion may be pending
- Nanjai (wet) land — very difficult to get residential conversion
- Multiple owners on Patta — joint ownership disputes possible
Verify RERA with RERA Verification Tool. For guidance, book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patta the same as ownership proof in Tamil Nadu?
Patta is a revenue record showing who pays land revenue — it is strong evidence of ownership but not absolute proof. The sale deed (registered document) is the primary proof of ownership. Both together establish clear ownership.
Can I check Patta online for free?
Yes. Visit tnlandsurvey.tn.gov.in and enter your survey number details. The basic Patta information is available for free.
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