What is an occupancy certificate (OC)?
An occupancy certificate (OC) is the local authority’s certificate that a building was built as per the approved plans and is fit to live in. Flats should be handed over only after it is issued.
Also called OC, occupation certificate, completion and occupancy certificate.
The OC closes the permit chain that the commencement certificate opened. Before issuing it, the authority checks the finished building against the sanctioned plans and collects clearances such as fire, lifts, water and drainage, depending on the city.
In some cities a separate completion certificate comes first, confirming construction is complete, and the OC follows. In others one document covers both. Some authorities issue a part OC for completed towers or floors in a larger project.
Why it matters to a builder:
- possession should be offered only once the OC is in hand;
- banks and buyers ask for it before the final disbursement and before registering the sale;
- utility connections and property tax registration usually need it;
- the date it is issued starts several clocks for the builder and the buyers, such as the time to take possession and to hand over to the association, under the RERA Act and state rules.
Track the OC application, objections raised and their replies like any other permit, with dates, so the handover plan does not depend on someone’s memory.