# Certificate of acceptance

> A council sign-off for building work that was done without a building consent. The council can only approve the parts it can see, so it may cover just some of the work.

Councils can usually issue one for work done after 1 July 1992. If the council declines, it issues a notice to fix that says what needs doing. The [code compliance certificate guide](https://buyingahouse.co.nz/buying/code-compliance-certificate) explains what to check when you buy.