What Is OC?

OC full form in real estate is Occupancy Certificate or Certificate of Occupancy. OC in real estate is an important legal document issued by the local municipal authority or government certifying that a building complies with all the necessary building regulations and safety standards. The real estate is ready for use and safe to live in once the OC is approved.

What made the Occupancy Certificate such a big deal?

The following are some of the reasons why the Certificate of Occupancy is important.

• Legal Validity: It proves that the construction of the building was done by the architect's approved layout and has met the legal requirements. If there isn't an OC, it may be considered a disapproved property.
• Assurance of Safety:: It is necessary to have the Certificate of Occupancy. It is an assurance that the structure meets all requirements for health, structural stability, fire safety, etc.
• Utility Services: An OC is necessary for services such as water supply, power, and even sewage.
• Real Estate Reselling: There is more to the Certificate of Occupancy as it is more than just a piece of paper. More often, potential buyers or lessees require the OC in order to complete the transaction.

How Can an OC Be Acquired?

The procedures followed to get a certificate of occupancy are:

• Application:After the construction of the building, the builder must file an application with the local municipal authorities.
• Inspection:A government inspector visits the site to ensure that all safety regulations have been followed.
• Clearance: The authority will issue the Certificate of Occupancy if all the safety measures are followed properly.
• Time Frame:After procedures followed by the local authorities, the OC will be provided in weeks or months.

Consequences of Not Having an OC:

When owners do not have a certificate of occupancy, they run the risk of encountering difficulties.

Legal Concerns: In the event that any illegalities occur, the local government has the ability to penalize developers.

The process of obtaining loans is complicated by the fact that financial institutions and banks require an OC before they will grant a mortgage loan.

To receive an OC, the following essential documents are required:

• Application: Complete the form thoroughly.
• CC is an authentication of the blueprints of the building.
• NOCs: The developer needs to obtain NOCs from departments like water, electricity, firefighting, and so on.
• A professional document of an architect, a structural safety certificate.
• Tax receipts: Proof that the property owner made the payments of the current and timely property taxes.
• Images of the building once finished.
• Certificates of service installation, sometimes known as Builder Statement of Compliance.
• Following documentation submission, the local government examines the property.
• The local government examines the property following the submission of the documentation.

Submission Process:

After the paperwork is turned in, the property is inspected by the local government.

• Documents: All of the documents come from the local government.
• Send the Application: The documents are sent to the local government with the OC application.
• Inspection: To make sure everyone is safe, the local government will check for fire safety, building code compliance, emergency exits, and safety gear.

Why OC in real estate is necessary

Urge the seller to produce the OC if you are purchasing or leasing land or any building, as a standard procedure. If you fail to check, this could lead to some issues.

Thus, the OC is a legal document certifying that a building is lawful and physically fit for habitation.