The terms C/O, Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Existing Use and Certificate of Zoning Compliance all represent certificates issued by the Town in which you live “legalizing” or permitting you to live in the home, or to use the structures and improvements on your property. These certificates (which we will refer to generally as C/Os) are important documents and, with some exceptions, every bank providing mortgages to home buyers requires these certificates as a condition of providing the funds to close the purchase of your home. That said, if you do not have a C/O it is important that you speak with your attorney first so that he or she can evaluate whether an application should be made to the Town for a C/O now, later, or never. It is the practice of our office to evaluate your property and make this determination prior to producing a contract of sale so that your anticipated closing is not delayed. Proper evaluation and planning is important to a successful sale. A properly drafted contract of sale is your assurance that your closing will be successful.

If the decision is made to apply for a needed C/O, it is always best to use a qualified expediter who is familiar with the Town in which you live and the Town’s legal requirements. Our office can provide you with a qualified expediter for the purpose.