Can I sell my house without a final inspection certificate?

In Ottawa, you can legally sell your house without a final inspection certificate, but it creates significant risks and complications that most buyers and lenders won't accept.

Here's what you need to know about selling without that final inspection in Ottawa:

The Legal Reality

Ontario law doesn't technically require a final inspection certificate to transfer property ownership. However, the practical reality is very different. If you have unpermitted work or work that hasn't received final inspection approval from the City of Ottawa Building Code Services, you're creating a liability that will likely derail your sale.

What Buyers and Lenders Require

Most mortgage lenders in Ottawa will require confirmation that all building work has been properly permitted and inspected before approving financing. Real estate lawyers typically advise against purchasing homes with outstanding building code compliance issues. Buyers who discover unpermitted work often demand significant price reductions or walk away entirely.

The City of Ottawa maintains records of all permits and inspections. When a buyer's lawyer does their due diligence search, any unpermitted work or failed inspections will show up, creating immediate red flags.

Getting Your Final Inspection

If you're missing a final inspection certificate, contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 immediately. You'll need to:

Schedule the outstanding inspection through the ottawa.ca/building portal or by calling directly. The inspector will verify that all work meets Ontario Building Code requirements. If there are deficiencies, you'll need to correct them before receiving final approval. Final inspection fees in Ottawa typically range from $100-200 depending on the scope of work.

What Happens With Unpermitted Work

If you have unpermitted work, you have two options before selling. You can apply for a retroactive permit through the City of Ottawa, though this requires bringing all work up to current code standards, which can be expensive. Alternatively, you can have the unpermitted work removed and restore the area to its original permitted condition.

ESA and TSSA Compliance

Don't forget about electrical and gas work compliance. Any electrical work needs ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) final inspection approval, and gas work requires TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification. You can verify compliance at esasafe.com and tssa.org respectively.

Disclosure Requirements

Ontario's Seller Property Information Statement requires you to disclose known building code violations or unpermitted work. Failing to disclose can result in legal action after closing.

The Bottom Line

While you technically can sell without a final inspection certificate, it's rarely worth the risk and complications. Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to resolve any outstanding inspection issues before listing your home. This protects both you and your buyer, and ensures a smooth sale process.