What if you lost your property papers- Steps to follow

The most important record of the transfer of ownership of the property is the sale deed. Any transaction related to a property cannot be done without the original papers. Transaction related to sale and purchase of property is only possible with the original property documents. So, it is important to keep these papers safe. Here is what you can do if you have misplaced your property papers for some reason.

Need to file an FIR

The foremost step to be taken is to file an FIR (first information report) stating that the original property papers are lost. After filing the FIR, a copy of it should be taken.

Issuing a notice in newspaper

The next step is to issue a notice related to the loss of the documents with the contact details and property particulars in an english and regional language newspaper.

Reissue of share certificate

You can apply for reissuance of share certificate if you have misplaced the share certificate provided by the housing society. For the application of the reissue of certificate a copy of FIR and newspaper notice has to be attached with it and some can be imposed by the society for this reissue.

Need to register an undertaking

The next thing you can do is to make an undertaking on a stamp paper stating the loss of documents with property particulars, copy of FIR and the copy of newspaper notice. Submit this undertaking with all the documents at the registrar office. This document should be registered, attested and notarised by the notary.

Getting a duplicate copy

For obtaining a duplicate copy, an application will have to be submitted to the registrar with a copy of FIR, newspaper notice, notarised undertaking. After submitting all these documents, a prescribed fee has to be deposited in the registrar's office to get the duplicate copy.

Important things to remember-

• Bank is responsible for the compensation of duplicate deed if the property documents were kept in bank and got misplaced by them.
• Online FIR facility is available in some cities for some cases. You can check and file an online complaint.
• FIR related to lost property can only be lodged by the owner of the the property.