During the time of possession of the property, you will need to have several key documents to ensure the authenticity of the property you are purchasing. Here is a list of all the legal documents and clearances you need to check or have while buying a property.
- Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Certificate
- Land Documents
- Approved Location Plan
- Approved Site Layout Plan
- Building/Structure Plan
- Structural Stability Certificate
- Environment Clearance (EC)
- Other Necessary Clearance Certificates
- Consent to Establish (CTE) Certificate
- Consent to Operate (CTO) Certificate
- Occupancy Certificate
Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Certificate
Every real estate developer is required to register with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority in their respective state. Every developer and project receives a unique registration number and certificate upon registration. You must verify the RERA certificate or RERA registration number and obtain a hard or digital copy of it.
Land Documents
It is important for buyers to make sure that the project developer has the right land documents which state that they are the legal owners and there is no litigation or court case pending on the possessed land. These documents include Land Allotment Letter from the local authority, Sale deed (If applicable), Possession certificate from the local authority, etc.
Approved Location Plan
This is one of the key documents approved by the local development authority that legally confirms the right location of the property in the particular area. Since this document is approved (Stamped) by the local authority, it is authentic proof of the location of the project.
Approved Site Layout Plan
This document, commonly referred to as a site plan, will include a diagram of the entire project site marking several key features of the project including the location of buildings, road position, green area, parking spaces, etc. It will also include other structures from existing or proposed project sites.
Buyers should keep in mind that the layout of a building or project has been approved by the city or state’s land authority. The approval for layout must be issued by the local development authority like the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA), Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), or Director Town and Country Planning (DTCP).
Building/Structure Plan
It is equally important to ensure that the structure plan of the proposed or constructed buildings is approved by the appropriate authority as per the Development control rules and regulations.
Structural Stability Certificate
Projects need to be developed in adherence to certain structural safety guidelines to withstand disasters or damages. This can be ensured with the structural stability certificate which certifies that the planned buildings of the project are structurally safe.
Environment Clearance (EC)
This is perhaps the most important clearance that every project developer needs to obtain from either the state environment authority or the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) depending on the magnitude and categorization of the project as per the EIA Notification 2006. Obtaining this clearance is mandatory as stated by the MoEFCC before even starting the construction of the project.
Other Necessary Clearance Certificates
These include a list of key certificates and approvals awarded to the builder he has received that allows him to legally begin operation of the properties. Once EC is obtained, the project owner must obtain several consents (No Objection Certificates) from the respective state pollution control board (SPCB) to continue the development of the project. Furthermore, the builder requires clearance for the drainage, fire, water supply, sewage, traffic, archaeological survey, etc.
Consent to Establish (CTE) Certificate
As the name clearly suggests. the builder receives this certificate from the respective state pollution control board (SPCB) under the provisions of The Water Act – 1972 and The Air Act – 1981, after obtaining the necessary licenses and sanctions for the project map and laying the groundwork for the boundaries and superstructure Simply put, the certificate authorizes the builder to begin work on the project.
Consent to Operate (CTO) Certificate
The builder needs to obtain this certificate from the respective state pollution control board (SPCB) under the provisions of The Water Act – 1972 and The Air Act – 1981, after the construction work at the project is complete. This is a required document that certifies that the construction project was completed in accordance with the state’s safety standards and building codes, and the Government Buildings Act, 1899.
Occupancy Certificate
This is the final legal document issued by the municipal corporation after obtaining the CTO certificate, confirming that your building complies with all state norms and is thus fit for occupancy.