Occupation Certificates in Sydney
An occupation certificate confirms that a building, or an approved stage or part of a building, is suitable to occupy or use. Exclusive Certifiers issues occupation certificates for class 1 and 10 work where it is the principal certifier and the required evidence is complete.
What this service covers
- Occupation certificates for completed class 1 and 10 work
- Staged occupation where the approval allows it
- Final inspection and completion-evidence review
- Greater Sydney projects
Occupation certificates in NSW
The occupation certificate is the last statutory gate in most certification jobs. It is issued by the principal certifier when the required inspections have been carried out and the building, or the relevant approved stage or part, is suitable to occupy or use.
NSW removed interim and final occupation certificates as the current general model for developments granted consent from 1 December 2019. Staged occupation remains available where the approval and the facts of the job allow it.
Legacy consents before 1 December 2019
Older consents granted before 1 December 2019 may still be subject to former interim and final occupation certificate provisions. If your consent is from that period, say so in the enquiry so the correct certificate type can be identified.
Completion evidence
A typical class 1 and 10 completion pack includes the original CC or CDC, the inspection record, as-built or marked-up plans where required, and the certificates the approval called for: structural, waterproofing, termite, smoke alarms, stormwater and similar items. The exact list depends on the approval and the work.
Common occupation certificate blockers
Missed or failed inspections, incomplete work, missing consultant certificates, unresolved consent conditions and occupation of the building before the certificate is issued are common blockers. An occupation certificate cannot paper over those gaps.
What you receive
Where the principal certifier is satisfied, you receive an occupation certificate for the building or the approved stage or part. The certificate confirms suitability to occupy or use that work. It is not a warranty of workmanship and it does not transfer builder or designer responsibilities.
Responsibilities
The owner and builder supply completion evidence and make the building available for final inspection. Consultants certify their own work. The principal certifier reviews the inspection record and completion pack before deciding whether an occupation certificate can be issued.
Questions about occupation certificates
Can I live in the house before an occupation certificate?
Occupying or using a new building, or a newly completed part, generally requires an occupation certificate. Moving in early can create legal and insurance problems. Ask before you set a moving date.
Who issues the occupation certificate?
The principal certifier for the work issues the occupation certificate after the required inspections and documents are in order.
Related services
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