An Occupancy Certificate is an essential document certifying the construction of the building and that it complies with the local laws, and according to permissible plans. The local municipal authority issues the Occupancy Certificate upon the completion of the construction of the building and is ready to be occupied.
Introduction
Occupancy certificates are issued by the agencies and authorities of local government, which declares that the building is constructed as per the plans that were approved by the concerned authorities. Occupancy certificate is issued when a property is ready to be occupied.
This certificate indicates that the building is equipped with civic needs such as sanitation, water, and electricity. This is a very important document, and the prospective buyers of an upcoming apartment should necessarily ask for this.
If the builder is not able to obtain this document from the concerned department, then it means that building is not equipped with the civic amenities and is probably not constructed in accordance with the plans that were approved by the concerned departments.
Need for Occupancy Certificate
- The building can be demolished anytime, considering it to be an unauthorised structure, if there is no occupancy certificate.
- It is mandatory to have an occupancy certificate at the time of resale of flat.
- The civic infrastructures disengage anytime without an occupancy certificate.
- If there is no occupancy certificate, no person can occupy the house.
- The occupancy certificate serves as the final pass certificate of a project or a building.
- An occupancy certificate confirms that the building has satisfied all the building norm and local laws, and hence safe to occupy.
Who are Eligible to get this Service?
Any owner of the property in the jurisdiction of the local municipal area who has obtained the plan sanction is eligible to get the service of Occupancy Certificate, that includes you, the property owner.
Documents Required
- Commencement Certificate
- Completion Certificate
- Built and Section plan
- NOC for fire and pollution
- Area calculation sheet of floor signed by an authorised architect
- Photographs of the completed building
- Tax assessment with tax paid receipt
- Photographs of rain harvesting and solar panels
- Copy of the sanctioned plan
Application Procedure
Step 1: Visit the Local Corporation or Municipality
The flat owner has to approach the nearest local corporation or municipality.
Step 2: Enter the Details
Collect the form from the concerned officer and enter all the necessary details.
Step 3: Submission of the form
Along with the required documents, the application form has to be submitted.
Once submitting the form, the certificate will be issued within 30 days from the date of submission.
How Important is the Occupancy Certificate?
Occupancy Certificate is an important document which is required before you occupy the purchased house of the project. It certifies that the building construction is complete and adheres to local bye-laws and regulations. The builder/developer is responsible for obtaining the Occupancy Certificate upon the completion of the project. The certificate is proof that the building is safe to occupy, and it is required while applying for water, electricity, and sanitation connections from the local municipal body.
As a homeowner, the Occupancy Certificate is a legal document of the property. Without this certificate, the local authority has the right to initiate legal action as the project is deemed an illegal structure. Also, an Occupancy Certificate is one of the mandatory documents to be submitted while availing a housing loan. Additionally, this certificate is required if you would like to sell the property.
FAQs
What if the builder/developer doesn't give the Occupation Certificate?
A homebuyer should accept the possession letter only after the developer obtains the Occupation Certificate.
Can the builder claim 100% payment from you without an Occupation Certificate?
Under the RERA Act, provisions are made to make milestone-based payments to the builder or developer. A certain portion of the payment from the total amount payable can be paid to the builder; however, the builder or developer cannot claim 100% payment without obtaining the Occupation Certificate.