OC (Occupancy Certificate)
Official document issued by local authority certifying that a building is fit for occupation and complies with approved plans.
Occupancy Certificate (OC) is a crucial document issued by the local municipal authority (like Municipal Corporation or Development Authority) certifying that a building has been constructed as per approved plans and is safe for habitation.
Why OC matters
For Safety
- Confirms fire safety compliance
- Verifies structural safety
- Ensures adequate water and drainage
- Confirms electrical installations are safe
For Legal Requirements
- Required for getting utility connections (water, electricity)
- Needed for bank loan disbursement (final tranche)
- Required for resale of property
- Essential for claiming insurance
Process to obtain OC: 1. Builder applies after completion 2. Municipal officials inspect the building 3. Verify construction matches approved plans 4. Check compliance with safety norms 5. OC issued if all criteria met
Red flags if no OC
- Builder may have deviated from approved plans
- Extra floors or units built illegally
- Safety norms not followed
- Utility connections may be temporary/illegal
- Risk of demolition orders
OC vs CC (Completion Certificate)
- CC: Building construction is complete
- OC: Building is fit for occupation
Partial OC: For large projects, OC may be issued phase-wise or building-wise as each section is completed.
Examples
Never take possession without verifying OC is issued - illegal connections can be cut off
Banks release final 10-15% of loan only after OC is received