Occupancy Certificate GHMC: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
In the real estate and construction industry, obtaining an Occupancy Certificate (OC) is a crucial step for property owners. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the civic authority responsible for overseeing the development and management of Greater Hyderabad, grants the Occupancy Certificate for residential and commercial properties. In this article, we will delve into the detailed procedure for acquiring the Occupancy Certificate GHMC, the importance of this legal document, and the significance it holds for property owners in Hyderabad.
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What is an Occupancy Certificate?
Municipal authorities or the construction proposal unit issue an essential legal document called an Occupancy Certificate to certify that a building’s construction adheres to the approved plans and meets the necessary safety standards. It serves as proof that the property is suitable for occupation and confirms that all the necessary construction regulations and guidelines have been followed. In the context of Greater Hyderabad, the GHMC issues the Occupancy Certificate for eligible properties.
Importance of the Occupancy Certificate
The Occupancy Certificate holds immense importance for property owners. It validates the legitimacy of their property and safeguards their ownership rights. Not having this certificate could result in authorities considering the property illegal, potentially leading to eviction and causing financial losses. Additionally, the Occupancy Certificate is a prerequisite for obtaining water, sewerage, and electricity connections for the property.
Occupancy Certificate GHMC Procedure
To acquire the Occupancy Certificate GHMC, property owners need to follow a well-defined procedure. Below are the step-by-step instructions to obtain the certificate:
1 Step: Online Application Submission
- Once the construction of the building is completed, the applicant must actively submit an online application for the Occupancy Certificate.
- Along with the application, the following documents must be uploaded: Building completion notice certified by the Architect, Structural Engineer, Builder/Developer, and Owner. Photographs of the building.
2 Step: Submission of Details
- Click the Occupancy tab in Applications and then choose the Building completion option at the top right of the screen.
- Select either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for the question, “Do you have a DPMS online building permit number?”
- If you choose ‘Yes’, enter the DPMS (Online approval) File Number and click the find button. The application form will capture and display the details of the sanctioned file from the database. Review the displayed details and click on the Save & Continue button.
- Fill in the application form with all the necessary details if the Building Permission was not issued under the Online procedure. After entering the details, review the filled data and save the page.
- The system will generate a new file number.
- Go to the document tab in the New Proposal, and attach the required documents/Plans.
- Make sure to correctly fill in all the information before submitting. You will not be able to edit the entered details after submission to GHMC.
- The system will generate a File number and send an SMS to the registered mobile number (entered in the application form).
- You can locate and review the application in the Submitted Applications folder.
- The website will update the file’s status automatically and send SMS messages for various processes such as inspection, shortfall letter/rejection letter, payment of compounding fees intimation letter, and Occupancy Certificate.
- If you need to pay compounding fees, proceed to the payment page and pay the fees through the available online integrated payment gateways.
- After final approval, the system will generate the Occupancy Certificate and send it via email. It will also be available in your respective login for viewing and downloading.
3 Step: Site Inspection
- A Technical Officer randomly selects from the pool of officers to conduct a site inspection after receiving the online application.
- The Technical Officer schedules a site visit and informs the applicant via SMS.
- The Site Technical Officer conducts the inspection and verifies the application on-site. The office then prepares an Inspection Report on the scheduled date and time. The officer uploads the Inspection Report within 24 hours.
3 Step: Scrutiny and Approval
- The Technical Officer reviews the site visit report. The officer then identifies any deviations from the approved plan, up to 10% of the sanctioned plan.
- Higher officials forward the application file to the Commissioner of GHMC for approval.
- Upon approval, the Chief City Planner of GHMC issues the Occupancy Certificate.
4 Step: Relinquishment of Mortgaged Area
To obtain an occupancy certificate for a property under a mortgage, the property owner must surrender the mortgaged area upon clearing or releasing the mortgage in order to transfer the ownership rights.
Here is an explanation of the process:
Understand the concept of a relinquishment deed:
A relinquishment deed is a legal document that allows a co-owner or a person with a share in the property to give up or release their rights in the property in favor of another co-owner or party. The relinquishment deed transfers the rights of the mortgaged area to the property owner in the context of obtaining an Occupancy Certificate from GHMC.
Consult a legal professional:
To ensure compliance with legal requirements and to draft the relinquishment deed correctly, it is advisable for individuals to consult a legal professional specializing in property matters.
Draft the relinquishment deed:
The legal professional will draft the relinquishment deed, incorporating details like the names of the parties involved, the description of the property, the relinquished share, and any other pertinent terms and conditions. The parties should execute the deed on non-judicial stamp paper of the prescribed value.
Execute the relinquishment deed:
All parties involved in the relinquishment, including the co-owner relinquishing the share and the property owner, should sign the relinquishment deed in the presence of two witnesses.
Register the relinquishment deed:
To make the relinquishment deed legally valid and enforceable, it must be registered with the appropriate authority. The registration process involves submitting the deed, along with the necessary supporting documents. Followed with a prescribed fee, to the sub-registrar’s office within the jurisdiction where the property is located. The registration process helps establish the authenticity of the deed and provides a public record of the transfer.
Obtain the registered relinquishment deed:
After the successful registration, the registered relinquishment deed will be provided to the parties involved. This document serves as proof of the transfer of rights from the co-owner to the property owner.
Submit the registered relinquishment deed to GHMC:
The property owner should submit the registered relinquishment deed to GHMC as part of the documentation required for obtaining the Occupancy Certificate. This step ensures that the property owner has clear ownership rights over the mortgaged area.
After the Occupancy Certificate is issued, 10% of the mortgaged area is relinquished, freeing it from any encumbrances.
It is important to note that the process and requirements for relinquishment of the mortgaged area may vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a legal professional familiar with the local laws and regulations to ensure compliance with the applicable procedures.
The entire procedure for obtaining the Occupancy Certificate is carried out online through the GHMC website.
Conclusion
The Occupancy Certificate GHMC is a vital legal document that validates the legality of a property. It ensures adherence to approved plans and safety regulations. Obtaining this certificate is crucial for property owners in Greater Hyderabad. It protects ownership rights and enables owners to avail of essential utilities. By following the step-by-step procedure outlined in this article, property owners can successfully obtain the Occupancy Certificate from GHMC. Following these steps, one can enjoy hassle-free occupancy of their dream homes or commercial properties. Remember, complying with the regulations and obtaining the necessary certificates ensures legal compliance. It also provides peace of mind for property owners in Hyderabad.
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