Legal Definitions - certificate of rehabilitation

A certificate of rehabilitation is a document issued by a court or other authorized governmental agency that shows a convicted offender is entitled to recover some of their rights and privileges of citizenship.

In some states, like New York, different kinds of rehabilitation certificates are issued based on the number or type of convictions.

For example, if someone has only one conviction, they may receive a different certificate than someone with multiple convictions.

A certificate of rehabilitation can also be issued by a local government for the renovation, restoration, preservation, or rehabilitation of a historic building.

This certificate usually entitles the property owner to favorable tax treatment.

Another type of certificate of rehabilitation attests that substandard housing has been satisfactorily renovated and meets housing-code standards.

For example, if a landlord fixes up a run-down apartment building and brings it up to code, they may receive a certificate of rehabilitation to show that the building is now safe and habitable.