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

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 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(completion certificate 2026,how to get CC builder,completion certificate vs occupancy certificate,CC from BMC,BBMP completion certificate,MCD CC Delhi,architect completion certificate,Form A1 Maharashtra,§44 MR&TP Act,RERA complaint completion certificate,builder not giving CC,as-built drawings,sanctioned plan deviation,§17 RERA,partial completion certificate)&metatag-description=(Step-by-step 2026 guide to getting your Completion Certificate (CC) from the Municipal Corporation — what it is, how it differs from OC, the architect's role, fees, timelines and what to do when the builder sits on it. With escalation path: builder reminder → Municipal Corp → State RERA → Consumer Forum → RTI for sanctioned-plan file.)}}
 +
 +====== How to apply for a Completion Certificate (CC) — complete 2026 guide ======
 +
 +{{ :social:auto:apply-completion-certificate-cc-builder-2026.png?direct&1200 |How to apply for Completion Certificate 2026 — RTI Wiki citizen guide}}
 +
 +{{page>snippets:dpdp-banner}}
 +
 +<WRAP info>
 +**Quick answer.** A **Completion Certificate (CC)** is the document the Municipal Corporation / Planning Authority issues confirming that the building has been **constructed in accordance with the sanctioned plan**. It is **separate from the Occupancy Certificate (OC)** — CC certifies *what was built*, OC certifies *that it is fit to occupy*. The **builder/promoter** (or owner if self-built) applies through the licensed architect within **30 days of completing construction**, attaching the architect's Form A1 (Maharashtra) / Form 13 (Karnataka) / Form C (Delhi) certifying as-built compliance with the sanctioned plan, plus structural stability, fire NOC and lift fitness. Apply online at the same Municipal Corp portals as for OC. If the builder sits on the CC for years — file a **State RERA complaint** under §11(4)(b) and §17(1). RTI helps you get the inspection-file status.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Vandana's story — "2-year CC delay; RERA complaint produced the file in 90 days" =====
 +
 +<WRAP center round box 80%>
 +//Vandana Iyer, 36, dental surgeon in Thane (Maharashtra). Bought a 3BHK in a 22-storey project in Ghodbunder Road, possession April 2024. Builder gave OC in November 2024 (after a part-OC for lower floors), but **no CC** for two more years.//
 +
 +> "I assumed CC and OC were the same. They're not. Our society started the deemed conveyance process in early 2026 — the lawyer asked for the CC. Builder kept saying 'CC is just a formality, it'll come'. My husband filed an RTI on 12 January 2026 to TMC (Thane Municipal Corp) Building Permission Department: ₹10 court-fee stamp, hand-delivered. Reply 7 February (26 days): 'Application for Completion Certificate dated 04.10.2024 received. Architect's Form A1 dated 28.09.2024 enclosed. **Site verification on 22.11.2024 noted: (i) two extra parking floors built without sanction, (ii) compound wall extended 2.4 m beyond plot boundary, (iii) terrace lift overrun height 1.1 m above sanctioned. Builder requested compounding by application dated 18.12.2024. No payment received. File pending.'** That gave us everything. We filed a MahaRERA complaint on 18 February under §11(4)(b) and §14(3) — fee ₹5,000 online. Hearing 12 April. RERA directed the builder to deposit compounding within 45 days. Builder dragged it but eventually paid ₹6.8 lakh. Fresh inspection 12 June, **CC issued 18 July 2026** — 5 months end-to-end. The conveyance application is now moving."
 +
 +—Vandana, August 2026
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +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.
 +
 +===== What a Completion Certificate is — and why it matters =====
 +
 +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.
 +
 +==== Why CC matters separately from OC ====
 +
 +  * **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 vs OC vs Part-CC vs deemed CC ====
 +
 +  * **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).
 +
 +===== Step-by-step process =====
 +
 +==== Step 1 — Confirm who applies ====
 +
 +  * **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.
 +
 +==== Step 2 — Architect prepares the CC application ====
 +
 +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.
 +
 +==== Step 3 — Assemble the document set ====
 +
 +  * 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).
 +
 +==== Step 4 — File online via the city portal ====
 +
 +  * **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.
 +
 +==== Step 5 — Pay the scrutiny fee ====
 +
 +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.
 +
 +==== Step 6 — Site verification by Municipal Corp ====
 +
 +  * 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.
 +
 +==== Step 7 — Compounding or rectification of deviations ====
 +
 +  * **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).
 +
 +==== Step 8 — CC issued; verify and use ====
 +
 +  * 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.
 +
 +===== Sample fee + timeline + statutory-SLA table =====
 +
 +<code>
 ++-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
 +| 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)   |
 ++-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------+
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Common reasons your CC is stuck =====
 +
 +  * **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.
 +
 +===== If stuck — the escalation ladder =====
 +
 +==== Rung 1 — Written reminder to builder under §17 RERA ====
 +
 +  * 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.
 +
 +==== Rung 2 — RTI to Municipal Corporation ====
 +
 +  * 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.
 +
 +==== Rung 3 — State RERA complaint ====
 +
 +  * 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 [[:file-rera-complaint-2026|How to file a RERA complaint — 2026 guide]].
 +
 +==== Rung 4 — Consumer Forum (DCDRC) ====
 +
 +  * 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.
 +
 +==== Rung 5 — High Court writ ====
 +
 +  * 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.
 +
 +==== Rung 6 — Right to Information (RTI) ====
 +
 +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-building-plan-approval-delay|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.
 +
 +===== FAQs =====
 +
 +**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.
 +
 +===== Related on RTI Wiki =====
 +
 +  * [[:apply-occupancy-certificate-oc-builder-2026|Occupancy Certificate (OC) — 2026 guide]]
 +  * [[:complain-builder-not-handing-over-2026|Builder not handing over flat — escalation guide]]
 +  * [[:file-rera-complaint-2026|How to file a RERA complaint — 2026 guide]]
 +  * [[:rti-for-building-plan-approval-delay|RTI for delayed building plan approval]]
 +  * [[:apply-society-noc-2026|Society NOC — 2026 guide]]
 +  * [[:apply-shop-establishment-licence-2026|Shop & Establishment licence — 2026 guide]]
 +  * [[:rti-for-beginners|RTI in 12 simple steps]]
 +  * [[:helplines:start|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.//
 +
 +{{tag>completion-certificate cc-builder cc-mumbai cc-bengaluru cc-delhi rera-complaint section-17-rera section-44-mrtp-act bbmp-cc bmc-cc mcd-cc form-a1 architect-certificate citizen-guide help-first builder-delay rti-municipal-corporation 2026}}