Does a renter need a certificate of occupancy?

Answer 1

Yes, LandLords can collect rent without a certificate of occupancy.It depends on the state but in NY the answer is NO and the tenant may be entitled to as much as double the rent paid so far. And yes I am a lawyer and have seen cases where no C of O resulted in the landlord having to settle for a large sum

Answer 2

Not sure about NJ, I'm in Massachusetts. But, here, the lack an OC is an issue between the municipality and landlord, not the landlord and tenant. The lack of one does not prove that the apartment is uninhabitable. But, the judges in your area might feel otherwise. In any case, it evidences the landlords ignorance, or his desire to hide something.

Answer 3

In Florida most certificates of occupancy are regulated by the city or county in which the property is located. It is up to the landlord to follow that rule, not for the tenant to enforce it. The lack of a certificate of occupancy does not negate the tenant the responsibility to pay his rent.

Answer 4

Absolutely not, because the landlord is not legally allowed to rent a unit without a certificate of occupancy in Texas. The law reads:

"§ 25-1-361 CERTIFICATE REQUIRED. (A) … a person may not use, occupy, or change the existing use or occupancy of a structure unless the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy for the structure."

Answer 5

Generally, not having a certificate of occupancy is of no concern to the tenant and has no bearing on whether the tenant should pay rent.

Answer 6

Generally, not having a certificate of occupancy is of no concern to the tenant and has no bearing on whether the tenant should pay rent.

Answer 7

umm idk.i live in texas.