WHY DO YOU NEED A OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE?
Category Property News
Why do you need an occupancy certificate?
So your new home or commercial property has been built, all you need to do is move in, right? Not so fast. Before you can move in, you will need an Occupancy Certificate (OC).
What is an Occupancy Certificate?
This is essentially your guarantee that everything in your new property had been approved by the relevant authorities. The document is issued by the Building Control sub-directorate in accordance with the National Building Regulations. It basically assures you that your property has been properly and legally completed according to approved building plans and any other city council requirements.
Before you call the movers, you will need to get the Chief Building Inspector for your area to conduct a final inspection of the property to check that all your building requirement have been complied with. Best to contact the inspector well in advance to ensure that the certificate is completed on time for you to move in.
So, whether your building is a small holiday home or a massive industrial factory, you will need to get your OC before any occupation takes place. The OC will stipulate what kind of property it is, whether it’s a terraced home, freestanding house, a block of flats or a sprawling warehouse.
What happens if I move in without an occupancy certificate?
It’s illegal to move into your property without an OC, which you can only get if you have a full set of approved plans and all relevant permissions. If you do not have an OC, you are not insured, no matter how much premiums you are paying.
Once you have your Occupation Certificate it is advised that you lodge copies with your bank (if the property has a bond) and with your property insurance provider.
National building regulations and building standards act
According to this 1977 act, an occupation certificate is required for every type of building, and will be required before any water and electricity deposits will be accepted for newly built properties.
If anything is unclear, please call Plettenberg Bay’s property specialists, Helen Melon Properties, we can help you with all your property needs, including obtaining your occupancy certificate.
Author: Helen Ward