Real Estate Mumbai

Mumbai's OC Crisis: 19,000 Buildings Without Occupation Certificates

By GeoSquare News Desk · Published 2026-10-31

Nearly 19,000 buildings in Mumbai are operating without Occupation Certificates (OCs), leaving lakhs of residents in a legal grey zone. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has rolled out an amnesty scheme to regularise such structures, but experts say low awareness and high costs are limiting its success.

What is an Occupation Certificate?

An OC is a mandatory document issued by the BMC confirming that a building has been constructed according to sanctioned plans and is safe for occupancy. Without it, the building is deemed legally unauthorised, making it difficult for owners to sell flats, avail home loans, or transfer property titles.

BMC's Amnesty Scheme

The amnesty scheme allows building owners and housing societies to obtain an OC by paying a prescribed fee, instead of facing penalties or demolition. However, experts point out that awareness about the scheme remains low, with many societies unaware that they can regularise their buildings at a reduced cost.

High Regularisation Costs

Even with the amnesty, the cost of regularisation can be steep. Depending on the building's size, age, and location, fees can run into lakhs or even crores. For many societies, pooling such funds is a major challenge, especially in older buildings where residents may not have the financial capacity.

What Buyers Should Check

For property buyers, verifying the OC status before purchasing is non-negotiable. A flat in a building without an OC can lead to legal disputes, difficulty in obtaining loans, and lower resale value. Always ask the seller for the OC and cross-check it with BMC records before signing any agreement.