You finished construction, applied for the occupancy certificate, and the application stalled or came back with comments? This is one of the most frustrating moments for owners, because it comes at the end of a long project, often under pressure to lease, sell or connect utilities. The good news is that most causes can be anticipated from the service's own requirements and fixed before applying. Here are the reasons occupancy (completion) certificates are rejected and their solutions, with a checklist to help you apply once.
1. The Permit Is Not Yet 6 Months Old
A service requirement is a permit issued 6 months or more ago with no occupancy certificate issued against it. Solution: wait for the period to pass, and use it to address any comments.
2. Unpaid Violations or Debts
Paying violations and debts is a condition for issue. Solution: review recorded violations and pay them before applying. Read: Fines for non-compliant buildings.
3. No Latent Defects Insurance Policy
The policy is a requirement. Solution: confirm it was issued and paid within the permit journey.
4. Construction Differs From the Approved Plan
The engineering office prepares a technical report on the building's condition and readiness. If construction differs from what was approved (an extra floor, an annex, a change of use, encroaching on a setback), the problem will surface. Solution: resolve the differences through adding and modifying components or status rectification, depending on the case. Read: The risks of unapproved changes.
5. Incomplete Construction Notices
For new permits, the certificate is issued through the supervising office after the construction reports are submitted. Solution: follow up with the supervising office to complete the notices. See our supervision service, and read: Periodic supervision reports.
6. Requesting a Certificate for a Single Unit
An occupancy certificate cannot be issued for a separate unit, only for the whole building. If you own a unit in a sorted building, the certificate belongs to the building, while your unit has its own deed and sorting certificate. Read: The final sorting certificate.
7. Incomplete Works
An occupancy certificate means the building is ready for use. Missing work on facades, safety or services may make the technical report unfavourable. Solution: complete the significant works, or renew the permit if a lot remains. Read: Renewing a building permit.
Checklist Before Applying
| Item | Done? |
|---|---|
| The permit is 6 months old or more | ☐ |
| No recorded violations or debts | ☐ |
| The insurance policy is issued and paid | ☐ |
| The building matches the approved plan | ☐ |
| Construction notices complete from the supervising office | ☐ |
| Significant works complete | ☐ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a residential building need an engineering office?
Contracting an engineering office is required for non-residential uses per Balady, and an office can be authorised in all cases.
Where is the full guide to the certificate?
Read: The occupancy certificate: a complete guide.
Is the compliance certificate issued with occupancy?
Yes, it is issued automatically as a proactive service per Balady. Read: Occupancy vs. compliance vs. safety.
My permit is an old paper one. Can I request occupancy?
If the permit does not appear, it can be added through the office or municipality. Read: Old permit not showing on Balady.
How many times can I reapply?
You can reapply after fixing the causes; good preparation saves cycles.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that checks your building's readiness before applying, resolves differences, prepares the technical report and handles the occupancy certificate application. Learn about our occupancy certificate service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
