(pronounced ser-TIH-feh-keht uv AH-kyu-pan-see)

A must-have if you or your client wants to move into their new digs. No papers, no occupancy. The certificate is issued by a local city building department to a contractor, landlord, and/or tenant after completion of the critical work and satisfactory passing inspections by city building department inspectors. It basically says: “There’s nothing in this space that will kill you, and it’s in proper condition to be occupied. Grab your things and move on in.” Sweet words when the previous lease is up and you’re being kicked out by your former landlord.