Property owners in the City of Tshwane can now get their newly-built houses or buildings inspected for free by municipal inspectors, who will issue occupation certificates upon completion.
MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, said the service is free for first-time inspections and a crucial step in ensuring that buildings are safe for occupation.
She said occupation certificates are essential as they confirm that a building is safe and compliant with regulations.
The Built Environment and Enforcement Division, which is part of Mabotsa's department, is responsible for the receipt, evaluation and approval of building plans.
"Once an owner commences with construction and completes a building, Section 14 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977) requires that an owner applies for an occupation certificate,” Mobotsa said.
Without an occupation certificate, she said, property owners risk facing insurance and financial issues.
To book a free inspection, property owners can contact their regional municipal offices.
Mabotsa said if the building passes the inspection, the occupation certificate is issued at no cost. However, if the building fails the inspection, a re-inspection fee will apply.
“Once the building has passed the re-inspection, the occupation certificate can be obtained at no additional cost. All fees in the Built Environment and Enforcement Division are governed through the tariffs adopted by Council and published in the Provincial Gazette,” she said.
Members of the public can request a copy of the approved charges and tariffs for building plans and re-inspections directly from [email protected].
Any request for payments of additional monies by any person, inspector or official onsite or at the City’s offices that are not included in the approved charges and tariffs can be reported to the anti-fraud and Corruption Hotline on 080 874 9263 (080 TSHWANE).
Mobotsa said various industries such as the banks rely on issued occupation certificates, which can then grant and register bonds against the property, for example.
"Failing to obtain occupation certificates renders the occupation of the building illegal and may influence insurance payouts in the case of damage or destruction of such buildings or on claims for injuries to life and damage to property,” she said.
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