Certificate of Occupancy

A document issued by a local building or zoning authority to the owner of premises attesting that the new building in question has been built according to the provisions of building or zoning ordinances.

A C.O. usually is issued only if the building is substantially similar to the plans and specifications originally provided by the architect. A C.O. must be presented to a buyer, and the house cannot be sold, or rather, the buyer may legally refuse to complete the sale, if the C.O. is not available. This requirement is usually attached as a rider to the sale contract.

Additionally, in certain areas a C.O. may be required for new apartments to be leased.