Certificate of Occupancy: What It Is and How to Obtain It

The certificate of occupancy is an essential document that certifies that a dwelling meets the minimum habitability conditions required by current regulations in Catalonia. If you are thinking about buying, selling, or renting a property in Barcelona, knowing the requirements and procedures to obtain or renew the certificate is crucial.

In this article, we explain what the certificate of occupancy is, where to request it, how much it costs, and how to apply for it in Barcelona.

The certificate of occupancy is an official document that certifies that a dwelling meets the necessary technical conditions to be inhabited, such as ventilation, lighting, minimum surface area, and hygienic-sanitary conditions. Without this document, it is not legally possible to occupy, sell, or rent a property.

This certificate is mandatory throughout Catalonia and is especially relevant in Barcelona, where urban planning regulations require compliance with strict standards to guarantee residents’ quality of life.

The main requirements for the certificate of occupancy in Catalonia include:

• Minimum usable surface area according to the type of dwelling.

• Adequate ventilation and natural lighting conditions.

• Basic installations in working and safe condition (water, electricity, sanitation).

• Structural safety.

• Optimal hygienic-sanitary conditions.

Meeting these criteria is essential for the dwelling to be considered habitable and to obtain the certificate.

To obtain the certificate of occupancy, you must follow these steps:

1. Contact a qualified technician to carry out the inspection of the dwelling.

2. Verify that the property complies with all technical and regulatory requirements.

3. Submit the official application to the corresponding administration, accompanied by the technical report.

4. Pay the fees or tariffs associated with the procedure.

This process may seem complex, but with professional advice, it is considerably streamlined.

The cost of the certificate of occupancy varies depending on the type of dwelling and the technical services required for the inspection. Generally, the cost includes:

• Fees for the technician who performs the inspection and the report.

• Administrative fees for issuing the certificate.

If you want to know how much the certificate of occupancy costs in Barcelona and obtain a tailored estimate, it is best to consult experts who can guide you according to the characteristics of your property.

Renewing the certificate of occupancy is necessary when the certificate has expired or when renovations have been made that affect the original conditions of the dwelling. Renewing the certificate ensures that the property continues to meet current habitability standards and is mandatory to legally sell or rent it.

In conclusion, the certificate of occupancy is an essential document to guarantee that a dwelling meets the adequate living conditions according to Catalan regulations. If you want to know how to apply for it, how much it costs, or how to renew it in Barcelona, it is crucial to have advice from specialized technicians.