Occupancy Certificate

Occupancy certificate refers to a document that certifies that a building adheres to the national building codes and is suitable for occupancy. It is issued by a development authority or a local government agency, such as the municipal corporation. For home buyers, it is essential to make sure that the certificate of occupancy, along with other necessary documents and clearances, are in place. Note that civic authorities have the right to evict occupants in case any mandatory document or approval is unavailable.

Post understanding occupancy certificate meaning, it is important to become familiar with its advantages.

Here are some reasons why obtaining an OC is crucial.

• Without an OC, it won’t be possible for homeowners to secure the legal status of their property
• A building occupancy certificate is required when applying for water supply, sanitation or electricity connection
• An OC is a compulsory document that one needs to submit when availing a mortgage loan
• This document helps individuals to get a certified copy of the deed
• A valid OC is necessary during the purchase or sale of a property

It is also crucial to remember that property tax is only applicable after the builder/ owner acquires an OC. To obtain it, they must submit certain documents.

Submit the below documents to acquire an OC.

• Project commencement certificate
• Project completion certificate
  
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) for fire and pollution
• Building and sanction plan
• Area calculation sheet of floor duly signed by an authorised architect
• Photograph of the building after completion of construction
• Copy of building’s sanctioned plan
• Photographs of rain harvesting and solar panel
• Tax assessment along with latest property tax receipt

Ideally, it is a developer’s responsibility to apply for an OC within 30 days from the project completion date. Nevertheless, property owners can also apply for this document from the local government agency or development authority. If the project fulfils the eligibility criteria and there are no issues in relation to the documents submitted, one can obtain an OC within 30 days from the date of application.

In case a builder refuses to provide an OC, home buyers have the right to initiate legal action against them and file a complaint in the consumer forum. They can get a notice issued against builders, which would ask them to provide the document within a month.

Buyers must make sure to check whether the document handed over to them is original or not. Note that a copy of the occupancy certificate will not be accepted when applying for a mortgage loan or during the time of sale of their property.

How to check the status of Occupancy Certificate?

In case a project is registered under the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016, individuals can view its status on the web portal of a state’s RERA. As per provisions of the Act, it is mandatory for builders to update any new development concerning the project on the web platform. However, if the status is not updated, individuals can confirm the same from the local authorities.

Difference between Occupancy, Competition and Possession Certificates

Many buyers tend to confuse occupancy certificate with possession and completion certificates. Following is a look at establishing the differences between these three documents.

Buying a new home is a culmination of many years of savings and formalities. If the property is declared unauthorised after one takes possession of his/ her flat, it can be a nightmare. Hence, it’s imperative for all buyers to make sure that they possess a valid occupancy certificate to safeguard their ownership rights.