Yes. Substantial completion means that the property can be used for its intended purpose; that cannot be accomplished without a certificate of occupany.
In many jurisdictions it is ONLY the owner (not the lessee) who can obtain a building permit and the resulting occupancy permit.
Occupancy permits apply when you change an occupancy or change a structure. If there is no change, the prior occupancy permit would apply.
In California, you can obtain a permit when you meet the eligibility requirements set by the state, such as age and completion of required training.
A permit needed to found a colony is called a Charter.
In most states, you can obtain a driver's permit at the age of 16 with parental consent and completion of a driver's education course.
In California, you can obtain a permit when you meet the requirements set by the relevant authorities, such as age, completion of required courses, and passing a written exam.
It depends what the "permit" is about, as stated in the question? More information is needed.
Because there was a deficit in the way they performed under the contract
My garden need remodeling. Do I need a permit for tree removal in California?
yes there was a permit of a kind. you had to get it from the king only
Yes, I am sure that most things you do on your property require a permit.
In Massachusetts, in cities which require occupancy permits, the lack of a permit is a prima facia code violation. Judges can award a rent abatement for code violations (forgive some unpaid rent, or direct that the landlord return some rent paid). However, if that is the only violation, and the unit is otherwise fine, the judge might not award an abatement, but simply order the landlord to get the permit.