When someone is deciding to buy a home, they will likely be hearing the term “occupancy certificate” thrown around quite a bit. But what is an occupancy certificate, and do we need one? This is necessary paperwork that enables the buyer to sell or finance the house. Homebuyers are thus recommended to wait until these documents have been provided before taking possession of their premises.
Without the Occupancy Certificate, the buyer can fall into legal trouble with the authorities. Therefore, it is better to be aware of the basics of this paperwork before signing on the dotted line. In the section below, we will discuss what an occupancy certificate is, its procedure, the documents required, and more.
Let’s get started.
What is an Occupancy Certificate?
An occupancy certificate is an important document that is issued by the local authorities to certify that a particular building or property is safe for human occupation. The certificate is generally issued after the completion of construction work and once all safety norms have been met. It acts as a final green signal from the government that verifies that the building is now fit to be inhabited.
In India, the process of obtaining an occupancy certificate is governed by the National Building Code (NBC). As per the NBC, every city or town has a designated authority that is responsible for issuing occupancy certificates. To obtain an OC, the builder or owner of the property must submit a list of documents as well as an application form to the concerned authority. Once the application is approved, an inspection of the property is conducted by a team of experts. If they find everything in order, the occupancy certificate is issued.
Importance of Occupancy Certificate
An OC certificate is an important document that certifies that a building has been constructed as per the approved plans and is fit for human habitation. The certificate is issued by the concerned authority after conducting necessary inspections and ensuring that the building adheres to all safety norms.
It is mandatory to obtain an OC before moving into a new house or office space. In the absence of an OC, the buyer may face legal trouble in the event of any mishap. Moreover, it becomes difficult to get loans and other financial assistance for a property without an OC.
Documents Needed to Obtain an Occupancy Certificate
The following documents are required to be submitted for the approval of an OC:
- Copy of sale deed/lease deed
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer
- Layout plan approved by the competent authority
- Building plan approval
- Completion certificate granted by a competent authority
- Fire NOC issued by the Fire Department
- Plumbing and Electrical fittings plans and approvals as per norms
- Water and electricity connection papers
Procedure to Get an Occupancy Certificate
The procedure to get an occupancy certificate for a building is outlined below:
Step 1: Contact the Municipality/Local Corporation – The owner of the apartment/developer must locate the closest local corporation or municipality.
Step 2: Gather Forms and Enter Information – Obtain the requisite forms from the appropriate official and enter all pertinent information.
Step 3: Form Submission – The application form must be submitted with all supporting documentation.
The occupancy certificate will be granted when the form has been submitted and it will do so within 30 days.
How to Check the Occupancy Certificate Status?
If a project is registered under RERA, its status may be viewed on the RERA online page for the relevant state. The RERA requires all builders to constantly update the project’s progress on the platform. If the information is outdated or unavailable on web portals, local government or civic organizations can validate it.
The Bottom Line
An occupancy certificate is an important document that proves that a building is safe to live in and has been constructed according to the approved plans. The certificate is issued by the local civic authorities after inspecting the construction and ensuring that it meets all the safety norms. It is essential to obtain an occupancy certificate before moving into a new house.
The process of obtaining an occupancy certificate can be lengthy and may involve multiple inspections. However, it is worth the effort as it ensures the safety of the buyer as well as his family in their new house.
Disclaimer- This article is based on the information publicly available for general use. We do not claim any responsibility regarding the genuineness of the same. The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. We expressly disclaim/disowns any liability, which may arise due to any decision taken by any person/s basis the article hereof. Readers should obtain separate advice with respect to any particular information provided
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