Do I need an Occupation Certificates.

[BBSA]

I'm planning to build a new house on a smallholding and my architect says I need an Occupation Certificates before I can move in. I have done some research and it seems it is law. I bought and sold many houses and I never needed an Occupation Certificates. Also I have never been ask for one. Apparantly an insurance company can refuse a claim if you do not have one.

Does anybody here ever needed an Occupation Certificates for a house, or did anybody ever ask you for one?

 

[brakpanpolisie]

Yes, new house you always need one. Once your plans are approved by all council departments (fire,building control etc.) you can start construction. Once construction is completed, your contractor notifies the building inspector. He comes around and verifies that what has been handed in at council and what has been built is the same, if he is happy he will issue your occupation certificate. Our council charges about R180 per certificate

 

[BBSA]

Yes, new house you always need one. Once your plans are approved by all council departments (fire,building control etc.) you can start construction. Once construction is completed, your contractor notifies the building inspector. He comes around and verifies that what has been handed in at council and what has been built is the same, if he is happy he will issue your occupation certificate. Our council charges about R180 per certificate

Thanks for the reply, what hapens if you just move in without a certificate?

 

[Pitbull]

Thanks for the reply, what hapens if you just move in without a certificate?

Is there already 1 approved house on the small holding? If so, you don't need another.

If not, you need one. Unless ofc, you just stay in a trailer

 

[BBSA]

Is there already 1 approved house on the small holding? If so, you don't need another.

If not, you need one. Unless ofc, you just stay in a trailer

What happens if you do not have one?

 

[ToxicBunny]

Legally the council can kick you off the property and you technically couldn't insure it as a residential premises

 

[Pitbull]

What happens if you do not have one?

Well really... nothing.

However, it should be an investment right. So you can sell it later if need be and the likes. You can if you want, build, move in and then apply. But that is a risk you should be prepared to take. They not that strict on small holding and farm houses.

 

[brakpanpolisie]

Thanks for the reply, what hapens if you just move in without a certificate?

Quoted from this site : http://www.avidfirefly.co.za/93707/...cy-certificates-why-do-you-need-one&Itemid=38

"It is against the law to occupy a property without 1) a full set of approved plans / planning permission from Council and 2) an Occupation Certificate. An illegal / uninspected building is not insured, this could lead to substantial losses in the event of fire / flood etc. After a month’s grace to submit building plans – property owners can be fined up to R1000 a day for not complying with the Act."