Hra exemption - landlord pan details

Hi,

For claiming HRA exemption above 1 lakh/annum, do we need to provide the soft copy of Landlord's PAN Card, as the employer is requesting for a copy of the landlord's PAN Card.

My landlord has lost the PAN Card, however, to compensate that he has provided the PAN Verification from IT Department website and NSDL website.

As per CBDT circular issued on 2nd Jan '17, (page # 18), "if annual rent paid by the employee exceeds Rs 1,00,000 per annum, it is mandatory  for the employee to report PAN of the landlord to  the employer". there is no mention of provision of soft copy of the PAN Card.

Kindly guide me on this issue.

Thanks & Regards,

S G Shet