What exactly is an OC or an occupancy certificate?

The local authorities grant an occupancy certificate (OC), which certifies that the building is suitable for occupation and its development has been in accordance with the approved plan and the local law. It is a must-have document one must receive while purchasing a property.

Who is eligible to get an occupancy certificate?

Any owner of a property under the jurisdiction of the local municipal area who has received a sanction from the plan is entitled to receive the Occupancy Certificate service which includes you, the owner of the property.

How does one obtain an occupancy certificate?

Once the application form has been submitted following the completion of the building construction, the local authority will receive the certificate of occupancy. Usually, within 30 days after the application date, the local municipal authority issues the Occupancy Certificate.

Significance of the occupancy certificate

The Occupancy Certificate is a key document needed before you occupy the house of the project purchased. It attests that the building is complete and that it complies with local laws and covenants.

If the project has been completed, the builder/developer should be granted his occupation certificate. The certificate proves that the building is safe to occupy, and it is required to use the local municipal authority when applying for water, electricity, and sanitation.

As the residential owner, an Occupancy Certificate is a legal document. The municipal authority has the right to launch litigation without an Occupancy Certificate as the project is considered to be an unlawful structure.

Also, one of the obligatory documents to be provided during the provision of a home loan is a certificate of occupancy. In addition, if you want to sell the house, you need this certificate.