How to apply for a Completion Certificate (CC) — complete 2026 guide

A 2024 MahaRERA report noted that over 35% of completed projects in Maharashtra lacked a Completion Certificate even after OC issuance — the pattern is: builder rushes OC (so allottees move in and stop pushing), then quietly defers CC because compounding for plan deviations is expensive. Buyers find out only when they try to convey, sell or refinance.

A Completion Certificate (CC) is the formal document from the local planning authority (Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, Cantonment Board, Development Authority) certifying that:

• The building has been completed strictly as per the sanctioned plan.
• No deviations exist from the approved drawings, FSI, setbacks, height, parking, common areas.
• The architect of record has personally verified and certified the as-built construction.
• Structural stability, fire safety and lift fitness are independently certified.

This is different from OC. OC says “you can move in”; CC says “what is built matches what was approved.” A building can technically have OC without full CC in some states (where compounding-pending matters are noted but services-clearance is given), but the legal trail is incomplete until both exist.

• Society conveyance / deemed conveyance under §11 MOFA 1963 (Maharashtra) and equivalent state laws requires CC as part of the title chain.
• Sub-registrar registration of the conveyance deed often requires CC for title clearance.
• Bank refinance / loan against property — most lenders ask for CC alongside OC.
• High-value resale — buyers' lawyers ask for CC to confirm no plan deviations exist that could trigger future demolition or compounding demands.
• Property tax mutation — some municipalities only allow full transfer of property tax record once CC is on file.
• Plan modification later — if you ever want to add a floor, change use, or merge flats, the existing CC is the baseline; without CC the file is treated as incomplete.
• Insurance — large commercial / institutional insurers ask for both OC and CC.

The legal basis is the same as OC: §44 MR&TP Act 1966 (Maharashtra), §310 Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act 1976, §347 Delhi Municipal Corporation Act 1957, and Schedule 1 of the National Building Code 2016. Under §17(1) RERA Act 2016, the promoter must obtain CC and OC and hand both over to allottees / association.

• CC (full): entire building, all floors, all wings — as-built matches sanctioned plan.
• Part-CC: certified for completed wings/floors in a phased project; remaining wings get separate Part-CCs and a final CC ties them up.
• Deemed CC: in some states, if the Municipal Corp does not act within statutory SLA (e.g. 30 days under DCPR 2034 in Maharashtra), the CC is deemed granted — but you must still obtain a written confirmation; banks rarely accept “deemed” alone.
• OC: issued after CC + services clearance + fire/lift NOC. Logically OC presupposes CC; in practice some states bundle them as “OC-cum-CC” (Delhi MCD often does this).

• Builder project (RERA-registered): the promoter through the project's licensed architect.
• Self-built independent house: the owner through his licensed architect / engineer.
• Society after redevelopment: the developer under the development agreement; in dispute, society can move RERA to direct the developer.
• Buyer of an under-construction flat: cannot directly apply; must push the builder.

The architect (registered with the Council of Architecture under the Architects Act 1972) must:

• Visit the site personally and verify the as-built construction against the sanctioned plan.
• Prepare as-built drawings in 4 sets (PDF + DWG digital copies).
• Sign and stamp the architect's completion certificate (Form A1 in Maharashtra, Form 13 in Karnataka, Form C in Delhi).
• Take professional liability for the certification — false certification is a Council of Architecture disciplinary offence and a criminal offence under §47 MR&TP Act (Maharashtra) with up to 3 years imprisonment.

• Architect's completion certificate (Form A1 / Form 13 / Form C).
• As-built drawings (4 sets).
• Sanctioned building plan (certified copy).
• Commencement Certificate issued before construction.
• Structural stability certificate by an empanelled structural engineer.
• Fire NOC from Chief Fire Officer (mandatory for buildings >15 m or commercial).
• Lift inspection certificate from Chief Electrical Inspector.
• Electrical safety certificate (licensed electrical contractor).
• Rainwater harvesting + STP commissioning + solar water heater compliance certificates as applicable.
• Labour cess (1% of construction value) payment proof under BOCW Cess Act 1996.
• Property tax zero-dues certificate during construction.
• No-encroachment certificate from Town Planning section.
• CA-certified construction cost statement (some states use this for compounding calculation).

• Mumbai BMC: https://autodcr.mcgm.gov.in → “Apply for Completion Certificate” → upload + pay scrutiny fee.
• Pune PMC / PCMC: https://buildingpermission.pmc.gov.in (PMC); https://www.pcmcindia.gov.in (PCMC) → BPMS portal → “CC application”.
• Thane TMC: https://thanecity.gov.in → Building Permission → “Completion Certificate”.
• Bengaluru BBMP: https://sasthra.karnataka.gov.in → “Building Completion Certificate”. SLA 30 days under Sakala Act.
• Delhi MCD: https://mcdonline.nic.in → Building Department → “Occupancy / Completion Certificate” (combined application).
• Hyderabad GHMC: https://dpms.ghmc.gov.in → “Completion Certificate”.
• Chennai (CMDA / Greater Chennai Corp): https://onlinecmdams.tn.gov.in → “Completion / Occupancy”.
• Kolkata KMC: https://www.kmcgov.in → e-Services → Building → “Completion Certificate”.
• Ahmedabad AMC: https://ahmedabadcity.gov.in → ODPS → “BU Permission” (Building Use, equivalent to CC + OC in Gujarat).
• Noida / Greater Noida: https://noidaauthorityonline.com → Building Department.

The portal generates an inward number — keep it for RTI follow-up.

Indicative 2026 slabs:

• Mumbai BMC: ₹15/sq m of built-up area + 18% GST.
• Pune PMC: ₹10/sq m + GST.
• Bengaluru BBMP: ₹6-8/sq m (slab-based).
• Delhi MCD: ₹5-12/sq m (zone-dependent).
• Compounding penalty (for any deviation found later): 5x to 25x normal scrutiny fee, depending on % deviation and city compounding policy.

• Within 15-30 days of fee payment, the Building Inspector / Junior Engineer / Town Planner visits.
• They cross-check architect's as-built drawings against the actual structure.
• Random sample measurement of flats, common areas, parking, terrace, fire refuge, lift well, mumty.
• Any deviation beyond ±3% tolerance is logged.
• Inspection report uploaded to portal — usually within 7-10 days.

• Minor deviations (≤5% FSI, internal partition changes, balcony glazing): compoundable on payment of penalty.
• Major deviations (encroachment on margins, illegal floor, FSI breach >10%, fire-refuge missing): may require demolition; periodic regularisation schemes (Karnataka Akrama-Sakrama, Maharashtra Compounded Structures Policy under DCPR 2034, Delhi PM-UDAY) sometimes allow regularisation.
• Structural / fire non-compliance: physical correction only — no compounding.

The compounding amount is paid by the builder; he cannot pass this on to allottees (specifically barred under §13 RERA).

• Once compliance is confirmed, the Municipal Commissioner / Town Planner signs the CC.
• Downloadable as a digitally-signed PDF from the portal — equally valid under the IT Act §4 + §5.
• Builder must hand over CC to allottees / society within 15 days under §17(1) RERA.
• Society uses CC for: deemed conveyance application, society registration finalisation, bank loan against society property, future maintenance contracts.
• Individual flat owners use CC for: resale documentation, refinance, plan modification applications.

+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Architect's CC certificate fee    | ₹15,000–₹50,000 (architect prof.fee) |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Municipal Corp scrutiny fee       | ₹5–₹15 per sq m built-up area        |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Structural stability certificate  | ₹10,000–₹25,000 (engineer fee)       |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Fire NOC fee                      | ₹2/sq m to ₹6/sq m (city-specific)   |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Lift inspection fee               | ₹3,000–₹8,000 per lift               |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Compounding penalty (minor dev.)  | 5x to 10x scrutiny fee               |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Compounding penalty (major dev.)  | 15x to 25x scrutiny fee              |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Statutory SLA — Maharashtra DCPR  | 30 days, deemed grant if no action   |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Statutory SLA — Karnataka Sakala  | 30 days under Sakala Act 2011        |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Statutory SLA — Delhi             | 30 days under Building Bye-laws 2016 |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| RERA complaint fee (allottee)     | ₹5,000 (single project)              |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
| RTI to Municipal Corp PIO         | ₹10 (court fee stamp / IPO / cash)   |
+-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+

• Builder hasn't applied at all. No application after construction completed because builder anticipates failing the deviation test. RTI to Building Permission PIO confirms.
• Architect refusing to sign Form A1 / Form 13. The professional liability is severe (criminal under §47 MR&TP and Architects Act §32). Many architects refuse if deviations exist.
• Plan deviations — extra floor, wider footprint, parking-to-shop conversion, missing fire refuge, lift overrun above sanctioned height.
• Structural stability certificate not issued — empanelled engineer flagged structural concerns that need physical rectification.
• Fire NOC pending. State Fire Services queue is typically 30-90 days; older buildings often fail current fire-safety norms requiring retrofitting.
• Lift inspection pending. Chief Electrical Inspector / Lift Inspector is centralised; backlog of 3-6 months in Mumbai and Pune.
• STP not commissioned / RWH not installed — clearances from State Pollution Control Board.
• Labour cess unpaid — builder forgot to remit; until paid, file is held.
• Property tax dues during construction.
• Sanctioned plan amendment pending — builder applied for plan revision (to legitimise deviations) and that revision file itself is stuck.

• Send a registered AD letter (and email + WhatsApp + builder's RERA portal grievance) quoting §11(4)(b) and §17(1) of the RERA Act 2016: “Promoter shall obtain the completion certificate or the occupancy certificate, or both, as applicable, from the relevant competent authority and make it available to the allottees individually or to the association of allottees.”
• Give 30 days. Keep the postal receipt.

• File RTI to PIO — Building Permission Department of your Municipal Corp.
• Ask: (i) date of CC application, (ii) name of architect, (iii) date and findings of site inspection, (iv) list of deviations noted, (v) compounding amount demanded and paid status, (vi) current file location with officer name and designation, (vii) reason for delay if any.
• 30-day reply window under §7(1) RTI Act 2005.
• State first appeal within 30 days of reply (or non-reply); Information Commission within 90 days of first appeal order.

• File at your state RERA portal: maharera.maharashtra.gov.in, rera.karnataka.gov.in, rera.delhi.gov.in, upreraconsumer.in, tnrera.in, rera.telangana.gov.in, rera.kerala.gov.in, rera.rajasthan.gov.in, wbrera.in, gujrera.gujarat.gov.in.
• Fee ₹5,000 (allottee, single project).
• Cite §11(4)(b), §14(3), §17(1), §18(1) — interest for delay.
• Orders typically within 60 days under §29.
• Detailed walkthrough at How to file a RERA complaint — 2026 guide.

• If your loss is quantifiable (rent paid for alternate house, loan EMI on unusable flat, conveyance delay loss), file under §35 of Consumer Protection Act 2019.
• Pecuniary jurisdiction: District Commission up to ₹50 lakh, State Commission ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore, NCDRC above ₹2 crore.
• Online portal: https://edaakhil.nic.in.

• If the Municipal Corp itself sits on a clean file beyond statutory SLA, a writ of mandamus under Article 226 forces a decision within a court-set timeline.
• Particularly effective in Maharashtra where the deemed-grant provision under DCPR 2034 can be invoked.

The Municipal Corporation, State RERA, Council of Architecture, Fire Services, Electrical Inspectorate are all public authorities under §2(h) of the RTI Act 2005.

RTI helps here when:

• The builder claims CC is “applied” but you have no proof — RTI to Building Permission PIO confirms application date and inspection status.
• Inspection has happened but the report is not shared — RTI extracts the inspection report and deviation list.
• Compounding amount has been demanded but builder is hiding the figure — RTI gets the official demand letter.
• Architect hasn't signed Form A1 — RTI to Council of Architecture confirms whether the architect is registered and current; in some states reveals disciplinary complaints.
• Fire NOC / lift inspection is “pending” indefinitely — RTI to Fire Services / Electrical Inspectorate PIO names the officer holding the file.
• You want to verify the CC is genuine before purchase — RTI to Municipal Corp PIO confirms whether CC bearing that number exists in the register.
• The plan revision file is stuck — RTI traces the revision file location and reason for delay.

See also: RTI for delayed building plan approval — copy-ready template.

RTI does NOT help here when:

• You want the CC to be issued — RTI is information-fetching, not a directive. Use State RERA + writ for actual issuance.
• You disagree with the compounding amount — that's a quasi-judicial decision; appeal to the Municipal Tribunal.
• Builder hasn't even applied — RTI returns “no record” and you must escalate to RERA for §17 violation.
• You want compensation for delay — RTI gets you the file; §18 RERA + Consumer Forum awards money.
• The architect is being asked to falsely certify — that's a professional ethics matter; complain to the Council of Architecture, not RTI.

Q. Builder gave OC but won't give CC. Is OC alone enough?
For everyday use (electricity, water, property tax) yes — OC alone suffices. For conveyance, refinance, sale to a fastidious buyer, or any plan modification, you need CC too. Push the builder via §17 RERA — RERA orders are typically issued within 60 days.

Q. The architect says he can't sign Form A1 because there are deviations. What now?
The architect is right to refuse. The builder must either (i) physically rectify the deviations, or (ii) pay compounding to the Municipal Corp and apply for plan revision to legalise. Only after one of these can the architect sign. Push the builder to choose.

Q. What if my building has Part-CC but no full CC?
Part-CC is valid for the certified portion. Full CC is needed for society conveyance and any later structural alteration. The builder is obliged to convert Part-CCs into a full CC under §17 RERA — typically within 24 months of the last Part-CC.

Q. Is the architect responsible if the CC is later found false?
Yes. False certification is a disciplinary offence under §32 of the Architects Act 1972 and a criminal offence under §47 MR&TP Act (Maharashtra) with up to 3 years imprisonment. The Council of Architecture can suspend or cancel registration. Allottees can complain to the Council via https://www.coa.gov.in.

Q. Can the society apply for CC if the builder won't?
Generally no — sanctioned plan is in builder's name. Exception: if society has obtained deemed conveyance under §11 MOFA 1963 (Maharashtra), it can apply. Other states should move RERA under §14 to direct the promoter.

Q. What's the difference between BU Permission (Gujarat) and CC?
In Gujarat, BU (Building Use) Permission under the Gujarat Town Planning Act 1976 combines what other states call CC + OC. Functionally equivalent for legal use.

Q. Does CC expire?
No, CC is permanent. But if you make significant alterations (structural changes, added floor, change of use), a fresh sanctioned plan + fresh CC is required.

Q. Can I sell my flat without CC if I have OC?
Yes legally — OC is sufficient for sale registration. But sophisticated buyers' lawyers will ask for CC and may negotiate down or refuse. Disclose the CC pending status in writing in the sale deed.

• Occupancy Certificate (OC) — 2026 guide
• Builder not handing over flat — escalation guide
• How to file a RERA complaint — 2026 guide
• RTI for delayed building plan approval
• Society NOC — 2026 guide
• Shop & Establishment licence — 2026 guide
• RTI in 12 simple steps
• All Indian government helplines — master directory

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026 by RTI Wiki editorial team. Building bye-laws, RERA fee scales and compounding rates change every year — verify on your Municipal Corp portal or write to admin@bighelpers.in if you spot a stale figure.