What is a certificate of occupancy?

What is a certificate of occupancy in simple terms? It is a document issued by the local authorities that certifies that a particular building has been built as per the approved plan, complies with local laws, and is safe to occupy.

• A certificate of occupancy ensures that the building has satisfied all the building norms and local laws

• It is necessary to have an OC at the time of resale of the flat

• It serves as the final pass certificate of a building or a project

• If there is no certificate of occupancy, the building can be demolished anytime, considering it to be an unauthorised structure

Now that you know what is occupancy certificate for a building and what is the need for it, let’s see

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The developer needs to apply for an occupancy certificate within 30 days of the project completion.

As a property owner, you can also apply for an occupancy certificate from the municipality or local corporation. You will get a copy of the occupancy certificate within 30 days of the application if the project fulfills all the criteria required for approval.

• Copy of the building’s sanctioned plan.

• Latest property tax receipt.

• NOCs for fire and pollution.

• Project completion certificate.

• Project commencement certificate.

There are a few basic terminologies which you must be aware of to ensure smooth transaction of properties. If you are a homebuyer then you must know that acquiring Encumbrance certificate, Completion Certificate and Occupancy Certificate is important. In this answer you will find everything about what is a certificate of occupancy. Read on!!

Certificate of occupancy or occupancy certificate for a building is issued by the local government bodies to the building. This certificate is an assurance that as per the inspection conducted by them, the building is fit to occupy and is constructed exactly as per the approved building plan and compliance of local laws.

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with what is a certificate of occupancy, let us look at its importance:

• Declares that the building is constructed as per approved building plan

• Certifies that the building is constructed by following all the laws that govern the land

• It is a proof that the project is completed

• It is a proof for homebuyers to safely occupy the building premises

• An OC is required to apply for utilities such as electricity, water and sanitation connections

If you occupy a building for which OC has not been shared with you then there is a higher possibility that upon inspection local government bodies have the right to initiate the legal action against you. Besides, if you apply for a home loan, it will stand rejected and you will also find difficulties in reselling your property.

This is all the information you must hold related to what is a certificate of occupancy.