Occupation Certificates

The last document your project needs, and the one that most often holds up handover. An Occupation Certificate confirms the building is safe to occupy — and it cannot issue until every condition, inspection and certificate behind it is in order.

When It Helps

Before anyone moves in, or the use changes.

Before a new building is occupied or used, and before a change of use takes effect. An interim certificate can allow part of a building to be occupied while work continues elsewhere; a final certificate covers the whole of it.

Inspection record

That every required critical stage inspection was carried out and satisfactory.

Fire safety

Essential fire safety measures installed and certified as required.

Consent conditions

The conditions that fall due before occupation, all discharged.

Certificates and documentation

Specialist and compliance certificates collected and consistent.

Pre-occupation review

We check what is still outstanding well before you want the keys — the single best way to avoid a delayed handover.

Final inspection

Booked to suit the program.

Certificate issued

Interim or final, as the project requires.

What You Provide

The paperwork the certificate rests on

Common Questions

Answers before you ask.

Can I move in on an interim certificate?

You can occupy the part of the building the interim certificate covers. The remaining work still has to be completed and a final certificate issued.

Why do occupation certificates get held up?

Almost always missing paperwork rather than defective building work — a specialist certificate that was never issued, or a consent condition nobody tracked. Ask us for the checklist at the start of the job, not the end.

Can you issue an OC if you were not the certifier for the build?

Talk to us — it depends on the project’s history and what records exist.

Ready to get your project moving?

Get in touch for a simple, no-obligation discussion about your building surveying and certification needs.