Individual Property IDs for Each Flat: Now Pay Property Tax in Your Own Name

In a major reform benefiting flat owners across Kerala, the government has decided to assign individual property (Thandaper) numbers and Possession Certificates (Kaisavashavakasam) to each flat in high-rise apartment complexes. This will now allow flat owners to pay property tax in their own name, marking a significant shift in the current system.

What Changes Now?

Currently, entire apartment complexes are treated as a single property unit under one Thandaper number. This made it impossible for individual flat owners to pay land tax independently or receive ownership-related documentation in their name.

This lack of individual property identification also created difficulties in mortgaging flats, selling those under attachment, and establishing clear ownership for legal or financial processes.

The new decision aims to resolve these issues, based on a recommendation submitted by the Land Revenue Commissioner to the state government. Prior to issuing the final order, Revenue Minister K. Rajan chaired a high-level meeting of officials to discuss the proposed reform.

Over the past five years, the government has worked to overcome various technical hurdles to make this change possible.

How It Will Work

• Each apartment complex will be assigned a master Thandaper number for the total land on which it is built.
• Every individual flat will then receive a unique sub-number (Sub Thandaper) linked to the master number.
• Land tax can then be paid using this sub-number, allowing flat owners to do so in their own name.
• Changes will be made in the RELIS (Revenue Land Information System) portal to support this new structure.
• Village Officers will also be authorized to issue Possession Certificates to flat owners.
• The e-District portal will be updated to include these functionalities, ensuring a seamless digital process.

Why This Matters

Kerala is home to approximately two lakh flats, with districts like Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram having the highest concentrations. The government has also constructed around 17,000 flats under Tsunami rehabilitation and LIFE housing schemes.

Until now, these flats, especially those built by the government, have not been included in the land records or taxed individually. This new initiative will bring clarity and legal recognition to all flat owners, both in the public and private sectors.