Occupiers Statements
Who occupies what, and under what arrangement.
Occupiers statements
An occupiers statement records who occupies what, and under what arrangement, across a scheme.
It sounds administrative. It becomes important the moment there is a dispute about use, a fire safety obligation that depends on occupancy, or an insurer asking questions.
When schemes need one
- Mixed use buildings where residential and commercial occupancy carry different obligations
- Schemes with short stay letting alongside permanent residents
- Buildings where fire safety requirements depend on how spaces are actually used
- Any situation where the recorded use and the actual use may have drifted apart
Why the drift matters
Buildings change without paperwork catching up. A storage area becomes a gym. A commercial tenancy changes trade. Occupancy classifications that were correct at approval stop matching reality, and compliance obligations quietly shift with them.
An occupiers statement establishes what is actually happening, which is the starting point for fixing anything that has moved.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a certificate of occupancy?
No. A certificate of occupancy is a council document about the approved use of a building. An occupiers statement records current occupancy. We can also undertake council searches to obtain a certificate of occupancy on a committee’s behalf.
Who usually requests one?
Committees, strata managers, and sometimes insurers or fire safety advisors who need occupancy confirmed before completing their own work.
Call 07 5573 4011 to discuss an occupiers statement for your scheme.
