What is the Certificate of Occupancy and What is it for?
January 16, 2025
The certificate of occupancy is an essential document for any homeowner or tenant. But what does having this document really entail, and what is it for? In this post, we detail all the fundamental aspects related to the certificate of occupancy, from its definition to its renewal.
What is the Certificate of Occupancy?
The certificate of occupancy is an official certificate that proves that a home meets the minimum habitability conditions established by current regulations. This includes aspects such as ventilation, lighting, basic installations, and structural safety. Without this document, the home cannot be legally used as a place of residence.
This certificate is mandatory to process certain procedures, such as registering basic services (water, gas, or electricity), or renting or selling the property. Therefore, knowing what the certificate of occupancy is is key for anyone linked to the real estate sector.
Can You Register at an Address without a Certificate of Occupancy?
Although registration is a fundamental right, its relationship with the certificate of occupancy may raise doubts. Can you register at an address without a certificate of occupancy? The answer is yes, but with nuances. Even if you do not have this certificate, the City Council cannot deny registration, since this process only requires demonstrating that you actually live in the home.
However, the lack of the certificate may entail other legal problems, such as the impossibility of accessing certain social services or complications in case of claims.
Can a Home be Deeded without a Certificate of Occupancy?
If you are thinking of acquiring a property, you are probably wondering: can it be deeded without a certificate of occupancy? Legally, it is possible to formalize the deed of a property without this document. However, it is important to bear in mind that the absence of the certificate may limit the use of the home and complicate subsequent procedures, such as the registration of the property or the contracting of services.
If you want to know more about this topic, we recommend reading our post: How much does it cost to deed a house?
Is it Mandatory to Renew the Certificate of Occupancy?
The certificate of occupancy has a specific expiration date, generally 15 years. Therefore, it is mandatory to renew the certificate of occupancy if it is expired. Renewing it is essential to maintain the validity of the home as a habitable space and avoid problems in case of sale or rental.
How much Does a Certificate of Occupancy Cost?
Another key point is the cost. So, how much does a certificate of occupancy cost? The price may vary depending on the location, but it usually ranges between 100 and 150 euros, including the cost of the technical certificate that verifies the condition of the home.
At Espígul, our team of experts advises you so that you can manage the certificate quickly and easily, ensuring that your property meets all legal requirements.
Trust Espígul to resolve all your doubts about the certificate of occupancy and other real estate procedures. With us, you will have the necessary advice so that each step of the process is efficient and without complications. Contact us!
