Answer Book question

I own property in Kerala but live abroad. What should I organise?

A registered power of attorney to a trusted person for routine matters, property tax paid and receipts kept, the title documents secured (not with the POA holder), periodic physical checks, a tenant agreement if let, and a will covering the property. Unattended property attracts encroachment, tax arrears and, occasionally, fraud.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

A registered power of attorney to a trusted person for routine matters, property tax paid and receipts kept, the title documents secured (not with the POA holder), periodic physical checks, a tenant agreement if let, and a will covering the property. Unattended property attracts encroachment, tax arrears and, occasionally, fraud.

Real life

A house in Kottayam left empty for nine years. Tax unpaid; a neighbour's fence has moved; a fraudulent sale attempt was made using forged papers. Fixing it cost a year and a lawyer.

What this means

Property needs presence. A POA provides legal presence; a relative or service provides physical presence; documents provide proof.

What to check

POA registered and scope limited Tax receipts current Title deeds, thandaper, survey records in your possession Encumbrance certificate pulled periodically Tenant agreement Will

What people often miss

Giving a general POA to someone who then has power to sell.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Kerala Rising's document service can arrange periodic checks and pull encumbrance certificates.

An example

Limited POA, tax paid online, annual encumbrance check, tenant on a registered agreement.

When this may not be the right answer

None.

What to do next

Limit the POA Pay tax and keep receipts Pull an encumbrance certificate this year

Related questions

Should I invest my Gulf savings or buy property in Kerala? What documents should an NRI family keep together?

Related Kerala Rising help

NRIs & returning Malayalis · Documents & property

Sources and what to verify

RBI FEMA regulations on NRE/NRO/RFC accounts · Income Tax Act residency provisions · SEBI/AMFI rules on NRI investment · NORKA Roots schemes · Kerala Rising is not a tax adviser; residency and tax questions need a CA Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Tell us your return date, which accounts you hold, and whether you still earn abroad. We will give you the housekeeping list and flag what needs a CA. WhatsApp +1 443 595 9000 · keralarising.com Kerala Rising › NRI · NRI 17

Before you act

This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.