A Simple Guide to Checking Your Encumbrance Certificate (EC) Online If you're planning to buy or sell a property, verifying its legal status is an important step. One of the easiest ways to do this today is through Encumbrance Certificate (EC) online services. An EC is an official document that shows whether a property has any registered legal or financial liabilities, such as loans, mortgages, or disputes. Accessing this document online has made the process faster and more convenient for property buyers and owners.