Code: CO (official acronym)
Description: (Certificate of Occupancy). - is a DOB document that officially states what a building or space may legally be used for and confirms that the construction or alteration work meets approved plans and code requirements. It is required when a new building is completed, when an existing building changes its use, or when a major alteration affects the legal occupancy of the space.
Practical Meaning: For a NYC homeowner, this is one of the most important documents for your building because it defines what the building is legally allowed to be used for, how many units it has, and what type of occupancy is permitted. If your building does not have a CO or if the CO does not match the actual use, you may face violations, loss of rental income, problems with insurance, and serious obstacles when you try to sell or refinance the property.
Where You May See It: You will see CO referenced on property records in DOB BIS or DOB NOW: Build, in real estate sale and refinancing documents, in title searches, in mortgage applications, and in DOB guides about new buildings and major alterations. Lenders, buyers, and city agencies regularly ask for a copy of the CO to verify that the building's use, number of units, and occupancy type are legal and match what the owner describes.
Why It Matters: A missing, incorrect, or outdated CO is one of the most common and most serious compliance problems for NYC building owners, affecting the ability to rent units legally, collect rent, get financing, or sell the property. Understanding the difference between a CO, an LOC, and a Letter Of No Objection helps you know exactly what document you need in each situation and avoid giving the wrong paperwork to lawyers, banks, or city agencies.
Source: Certificate of Occupancy