Key Considerations for Describing Property Details in Documents

Introduction
Accurate property descriptions in legal documents are essential for ensuring clear and unambiguous property transactions. Document writers must pay close attention to detail to prevent future disputes and ensure legal clarity. This article outlines nine crucial considerations for writing precise property details in documents.

1. Revenue and Registration Districts: When drafting a property document, it is
   crucial to specify both the revenue district and the registration district separately, even
   if they share the same name. Properly distinguishing these districts ensures accurate
   legal referencing and avoids potential issues.
2. Village and Survey Numbers: In some villages, both the village number and the
   survey number of the land are used. It is important to clearly understand and use both
   numbers as required to provide a complete and accurate description of the property.
3. Patta Number and Survey Details: If the property is under a patta (land title),
   include the patta number and the corresponding survey number. This ensures that all
   legal references to the land are correctly documented.
4. Land Boundaries: If the property is part of a larger survey and listed in a joint
   patta, specify the entire extent of the survey number. Describe the property’s location
   relative to cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) from the boundary landmarks.
   For instance, if the property starts from the northern edge, mention it as part of the
   northern section.
5. Detailed Measurements: When describing a section of land purchased from a
   divided plot, provide exact measurements, including length and width. Specify these
   dimensions clearly, whether in feet or meters, to avoid any ambiguity regarding the
   size of the property.
6. Measurements and Units: Ensure that the dimensions of the property are
   described in both feet and meters for clarity. Convert any old measurement units, such
   as traditional units (e.g., yards, “gajam”) to current units (square feet or square
   meters). This conversion should be precise to prevent errors.
7. Boundary Descriptions: When detailing the four boundaries of the property,
   describe them based on how they were recorded in the previous documents. For
   example, if the previous document notes the boundary as “south of Muthusamy’s
   house,” describe the property’s position relative to Muthusamy’s house. This practice
   helps in understanding the exact location and alignment of the property.
8. Modernizing Boundary Descriptions: Update outdated boundary descriptions to
   align with contemporary understanding. Instead of referring to boundaries relative to
   another property, state the property’s position explicitly. For example, “to the north of
   the property, the adjacent land is owned by Muthusamy” should replace ambiguous
   directions like “south of Muthusamy’s house.”
9. Additional Property Features: When the property includes structures or
   amenities, such as buildings, wells, public pathways, or common walls, detail these
   features explicitly. Mention any existing services such as electricity (including EB
   service numbers), property tax details, water facilities, and other amenities. Ensure
   that the document includes information about sunlight, ventilation, waste disposal,
   and public toilets if applicable. Accurate documentation of these elements prevents
   misunderstandings and ensures all parties are aware of the property’s full extent.

Conclusion
Accurate and thorough property descriptions are critical for legal clarity and effective property transactions. By adhering to these nine considerations, document writers can minimize errors and ensure that all property details are clearly communicated. Proper documentation helps avoid disputes and facilitates smooth transactions, providing all
parties with a clear understanding of the property’s characteristics and boundaries.