OC vs CC: how to check yours before you accept possession
The Occupancy Certificate is the document buyers most often take on trust. Here is what it is, how it differs from a Completion Certificate, and how to confirm it with the authority instead of relying on a PDF.
Occupancy Certificate (OC)
Issued by the local development authority once a building has been built in line with the sanctioned plan and is fit to be occupied. It is generally needed for lawful occupation, for registry of your unit, and often for utility connections and home loans.
Completion Certificate (CC)
Confirms that construction has been completed as approved. Terminology and the order in which the two are issued vary between authorities and states, so ask the authority what it issues and in what sequence.
Full, partial or “deemed” — what each word means for you
Full
Covers the whole building or phase as sanctioned. Still confirm your tower and floor are inside the scope.
Partial
Covers only certain towers, floors or parts. Anything outside that scope is not covered — even if possession is being offered.
“Deemed”
Some rules treat approval as granted if an authority does not decide within a time limit. Whether that applies, and to what, depends on local rules. Ask the authority directly.
How to verify an OC in Noida, Greater Noida or anywhere else
Get the details
Ask the builder in writing for the OC letter number, date, issuing authority and the towers and floors it covers.
Check the authority
Look for the record on the authority’s website — Noida or Greater Noida — or visit its planning department.
Ask by RTI
If you cannot find it, file an RTI with the authority’s Public Information Officer asking for the OC/CC and its scope. In UP use the state RTI portal.
Match it to your unit
Compare the scope with your allotment letter and registered agreement: tower, floor and unit number.
Check RERA filings
The project’s RERA page and quarterly filings often show approval and completion status. Screenshot them with the date.
Put it in writing
Before paying the final demand or taking possession, ask the builder to confirm in writing that registry of your unit is possible.
What the Supreme Court said about possession without an OC
Parsvnath Developers Ltd. v. Mohit Khirbat
Court findingIn a judgment of 20 February 2026 (2026 INSC 170), decided under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, the Supreme Court held that a developer cannot force a buyer to take possession without an Occupancy Certificate, and that failing to obtain one is a deficiency in service. It upheld the compensation the National Consumer Commission had awarded, including 8% simple interest, and gave the developer six months to obtain the OC and hand over possession.
The case turned on its facts. It was not decided under RERA, and it is not a statement about any project discussed on this site.
SourceJudgment (PDF, via LiveLaw) · LiveLaw report · C.A. Nos. 5289–5290 of 2022 · Bench: Nagarathna and Mahadevan JJ.
OC and CC — common questions
Can a builder force me to take possession without an OC?
In Parsvnath v. Khirbat (2026), decided under the Consumer Protection Act, the Supreme Court held that a developer cannot compel a buyer to accept possession without an Occupancy Certificate. Your own position depends on your agreement and facts — take advice before refusing or accepting possession.
The builder emailed me that the OC is received. Is that enough?
No. An email is not the certificate. Ask for the letter number and date, and confirm the scope with the authority. Keep the email — it may matter later.
Can I get my unit registered without an OC?
Registry practice differs by authority and type of property. Ask the authority or the sub-registrar what is required for your unit, and get the builder’s confirmation in writing.
Who do I complain to if the OC is missing?
Depending on the facts: the state RERA authority, a consumer commission (file on e-Jagriti), or the development authority. See your RERA rights and speak to a lawyer before filing.
Not sure what your OC actually covers?
Send us the details. We will point you to the right record and the questions to ask.