Here’s Everything you Need to Know About Completion Certificate
An essential legal document to look for when buying a property, a completion certificate is attested by the local development and municipal authorities. A completion certificate implies that due safety norms and government regulations have been adhered to during the construction of the building. If you are buying a property, ensure that you secure copies of the completion certificate and the no objection certificate as well.
What Should a Completion Certificate Cover?
A completion certificate ideally lists the address and identification of the land that the building stands on. It also verifies that the building construction has been carried out as per the rules and regulations defined by the local municipal authority. In other words, the completion certificate assures buyers that all the rules have been followed diligently while constructing the building. As a vigilant buyer, ask for a copy of the completion certificate when purchasing a house. The Apartment Ownership Act requires the builder or owner of the building to furnish the completion certificate in order to get access to basic amenities like water and electricity.
Procedure for Awarding the Completion Certificate
After the construction is completed, representatives from the local development authority perform a physical inspection of the building and evaluate whether or not it can be given a go ahead. Once the completion certificate is granted, the builder / developer then applies for water and electricity connection, along with a copy of the certificate.
Provisional Completion Certificate
A provisional completion certificate is a temporary certificate awarded when the apartment possession has to be given to the buyers before the building is completely finished – it could be a pending swimming pool construction or parking lot painting. The validity of the provisional certificate, however, is only 6 months, after which the developer has to apply for the permanent certificate.
Significance of the Final Completion Certificate
The final completion certificate can save you from numerous legal hassles that might crop up if a building doesn’t adhere to the regulations of the local authority and the government. Make sure that you get yourself a copy of the final completion certificate before taking possession of the apartment. Since the certificate is mandatory for getting basic amenities into place, taking possession before it is awarded can cost you monetarily as well.
What if your Building doesn’t have a Completion Certificate?
As a buyer/resident of an apartment, it is in your best interest to ensure that your building is awarded completion certificate. Unfavorable consequences like eviction notice and penalization, amongst many others, are likely in case the certification isn’t awarded.