How to check the Occupancy Certificate (OC)
An Occupancy Certificate (OC) is a legal document issued by the local municipal body, certifying that a building is safe and ready for habitation. As of 2026, obtaining an OC is mandatory under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) before a builder can legally hand over possession of a property to you.
Visit your state RERA website or local municipal corporation portal, search using the project’s RERA number or survey number, and download the OC from the “Approvals” or “Documents” section. You can also verify authenticity using the QR code printed on modern OCs.
What is an Occupancy Certificate (OC)?
The answer to what an occupancy certificate is straightforward: it is a “fitness certificate” for a building issued by authorities like the DDA (Delhi), BBMP (Bangalore), or BMC (Mumbai). It proves that the developer has followed the sanctioned plan, met fire safety norms, and installed essential services like water and drainage.
As per current guidelines, an OC is issued only after a thorough site inspection by municipal engineers. They check if the building height, open spaces, and structural stability match the approved blueprints. Without this paper, your building is technically “unauthorized,” even if you have already paid the full amount. Think of it as a “license to live” in your own home.
A building can receive a “Full OC” for the entire project or a “Partial OC” for specific towers that are finished. Users should verify via official sources whether their flat is covered under the specific certificate issued. If you move in before the OC is granted, the government can legally evict you and cut off your temporary utility connections without notice
Why is an occupancy certificate important when buying a property?
The importance of an occupancy certificate for property cannot be overstated because it is the only document that legalizes your stay. It ensures that the building is structurally sound and protects you from future “demolition notices” that the city corporation might issue for illegal or deviated constructions.
Key benefits include:
- Legal Possession: It is your only proof that your occupation of the flat is lawful.
- Utility Connections: Permanent water, electricity, and sewage lines are granted only after the OC is produced.
- Home Loan Approval: Most banks in 2026 refuse to disburse the final loan installment without an OC.
- Property Tax: In many cities, you pay a “penal” or higher tax rate if you occupy a building without an OC.
- Resale Value: Selling a flat without an OC is nearly impossible, as new buyers won’t get loans for it.
Without this certificate, your home insurance claims could be rejected. Insurers view a non-OC building as a “high-risk structure” that doesn’t meet safety standards. Having an OC gives you peace of mind that your investment is safe and that you won’t face sudden eviction orders from the municipal commissioner.
How can I check the occupancy certificate online?
The process of how to check an occupancy certificate online in 2026 is simple: visit your state’s RERA portal or the local Municipal Corporation’s website. Most cities now have a “Building Permission” or “Citizen Services” section where you can enter your project’s registration number to see all uploaded documents.
Steps to check OC online
- Open your state RERA or municipal website
- Enter project RERA number or survey number
- Open “Approvals / Documents” section
- Download Occupancy Certificate
- Verify QR code and digital signature
If you don’t find it online, you can file a Right to Information (RTI) query with the local town planning department. They are legally bound to tell you if an OC has been issued for your specific survey number. Always use the official government “.gov.in” or “.nic.in” websites to avoid being misled by fake third-party portals.
What details should I verify in an occupancy certificate?
When you receive the document, you must verify in the occupancy certificate that the survey number, building name, and tower number match your flat’s location. Check the “Date of Issue” and ensure the document is digitally signed by the competent authority, such as the Assistant Commissioner or Chief Planner.
Check for these specific points:
- Sanctioned Floors: Does the OC cover all floors? Sometimes a builder gets an OC for 5 floors but builds 7.
- Deviations: Look for any mention of “compounding charges” for minor deviations (usually allowed up to 5%).
- Validity: While most OCs are permanent, some “temporary OCs” have an expiry date.
- Authorized Signature: Ensure it has the official seal of the Municipal Corporation.
If the OC is for a different block or phase, it does not cover your flat. We often see buyers accepting a “Phase 1 OC” for a “Phase 3 flat,” which is a huge mistake. Each phase or tower must have its own clearance. If the document looks suspicious, compare it with other OCs from the same area or take it to a lawyer for a quick “Title Verification.”
Is it safe to buy a property without an occupancy certificate?
No, it is not safe and is highly risky to buy or move into a property without an OC. The risks of buying property without OC include your home being declared illegal, a lack of a permanent water supply, and the potential for the entire building to be demolished if it violates local zoning laws.
In 2026, many builders try to offer “possession for fit-outs” without an OC. They might tell you it’s a “technical delay.” However, if you take possession, you might have to pay for water tankers and expensive commercial-rate electricity for years. Furthermore, you cannot register the “Sale Deed” in your name in several Indian states if the OC is missing.
If the builder is delaying the OC, you have the right to file a complaint on the RERA website. Under RERA rules, a builder must pay you interest for every month of delay in providing the OC. Do not fall for the “it’s just a piece of paper” trap—it is the only document that truly makes you the legal owner and resident of your property.
What is the difference between an occupancy certificate and a completion certificate?
The core occupancy certificate vs completion certificate difference is that a CC says the “construction is finished,” while an OC says the “building is fit to live in.” You cannot get an OC without first obtaining a CC, making them sequential steps in the legal process.
Feature | Completion Certificate (CC) | Occupancy Certificate (OC) |
Purpose | Construction matches the plan | The building is safe for living |
Timing | Issued right after finishing work | Issued after utility & safety checks |
Legal Status | The house is “completed.” | The house is “inhabitable.” |
Utilities | Does not guarantee water/power | Mandatory for permanent water/power |
Possession | Cannot move in with only a CC | Legal right to move in |
Think of it this way: the CC is for the builder to prove they did their job, while the OC is for the buyer to prove they can stay there. In some states, like Tamil Nadu, for smaller projects, a single “Completion Certificate” acts as both. However, for most large apartments in India, you must insist on seeing both to ensure your investment is 100% legally clean.
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