Completion certificate vs occupancy certificate: what is the difference?

How are the two certificates different?

The two answer different questions, as the RERA Act’s definitions show.

The Act says “under whatever name” for both, so local practice matters. Some authorities issue one combined document or use a different title. Ask what your authority issued, and read what it actually covers, instead of relying on the name.

Who has to get the certificate?

The promoter does. Section 11(4)(b) makes the promoter responsible for obtaining the completion certificate, the occupancy certificate, or both as applicable, and for making it available to allottees or their association. You should not have to chase the authority yourself.

Can a builder offer possession without a certificate?

Not under UP RERA’s current position. In 2024 UP RERA said promoters must have the occupancy or completion certificate before giving possession letters, and set a format for those letters. UP RERA has also asked authorities not to issue temporary certificates, and the UP appellate tribunal has reportedly refused to treat a temporary certificate as a valid occupancy certificate.

A July 2026 report describes further steps. Promoters must send a written offer of possession within two months of the certificate, and must display copies at their customer offices. A demand notice with vague wording does not count, and the letter must be explicitly titled as an offer of possession. Check the latest notice on up-rera.in.

What happens after the certificate is issued?

Several clocks start once the building has its paper. In order:

1. The certificate is issued by the competent authority.
2. The promoter sends a formal offer of possession, within two months as reported above.
3. You take physical possession. Section 19(10) expects this within two months of the occupancy certificate.
4. The conveyance deed is registered. Section 17 sets three months from the occupancy certificate where local law gives no other period, and Section 19(11) requires you to take part.
5. The five-year defect period under Section 14(3) runs from the date possession was handed over.

Why does a partial certificate matter?

In a large project, one tower may be certified while another is not. The same 2026 report says the authority must specify which towers and area a partial certificate covers. So ask for the copy and find your own tower on it. A certificate for the project next door to your block does not help you.

Why do these certificates affect your tax?

The certificate also marks the line for GST. See how GST changes after certification, because a sale after the certificate carries no GST. Registration of your sale deed comes next, and our note on registry charges in Lucknow covers that cost.

If you want a home you can move into, start with the certificates, not the marketing. Ask to see them for any finished unit on our ready-to-move page. For new builds, the UP RERA record for each option on our projects page gives you a filed date to hold against the certificate. Our Gomti Nagar area guide is useful for buyers who want an established location, and the way we handle possession sets out what we check with you.