Electrics, gas and plumbing safety

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. After reading, you will know what to check, which inspections and certificates exist, and what to do if an installation is old.

Start with "Checking a home's electrical installation (boletín eléctrico)". It shows you how to judge wiring, the panel and earthing, and when a certificate or upgrade is needed. Then read "Checking gas safety at home (revisión periódica de gas)". After that, use "Pipes, hard water and the electric water heater (termo)" and "Servicing a boiler or water heater (mantenimiento de caldera)" as you need them.

Electricity and water supply contracts, tariffs and bills are covered in the utilities topic. Emergency call-outs are covered in the hiring tradespeople topic.

Key rules

• Who pays repairs: The landlord pays to bring worn wiring or installations up to standard and to obtain a certificate needed for the supply, while the tenant pays for damage they cause and small everyday repairs.
• Arranging the gas review: The holder of the gas supply arranges the review, usually the tenant in a rented home, but the landlord is responsible for fixing defects.
• Gas review: A home's fixed gas installation must be reviewed every 5 years.
• Electrical certificate: An electrical installation certificate (boletín) is generally accepted for a home supply contract for 20 years from issue.
• Butane hose: Replace a rubber butane hose by the date printed on it, normally 5 years after manufacture, and the regulator within 10 years of its stamped date.
• Hardness: Your water utility publishes local hardness, and above 180 mg/L is very hard.

Electrics, gas and plumbing safety: the whole process, step by step

• Check the electrical installation and ask for the boletín if the supply needs one (Checking a home's electrical installation): before you sign or ask for a new supply contract

• Check the gas installation, butane hose date and regulator (Checking gas safety at home): before you move in or start using gas

• Look at pipes, water pressure, limescale and the termo (Pipes, hard water and the electric water heater): in the first weeks after moving in

• Book the boiler or water heater maintenance check (Servicing a boiler or water heater): every 2 years for gas boilers under 70 kW

• Arrange the gas review (Checking gas safety at home): every 5 years

• Renew the electrical certificate if a supply contract needs one (Checking a home's electrical installation): after 20 years from issue, or sooner after major changes to the installation

Documents you may need

The home and the lease

• Gas supply contract in your name — Checking gas safety at home (revisión periódica de gas)
• Your rental contract — Servicing a boiler or water heater (mantenimiento de caldera)

Other documents

• Certificate of inspection from your latest gas review — Checking gas safety at home (revisión periódica de gas), Servicing a boiler or water heater (mantenimiento de caldera)
• Certificado de instalación eléctrica — Checking a home's electrical installation (boletín eléctrico)
• A valid boletín on file when a supply is reactivated after a long time without — Checking a home's electrical installation (boletín eléctrico)
• Maintenance certificate or report — Servicing a boiler or water heater (mantenimiento de caldera)

Electrics, gas and plumbing safety: questions that cross several articles

Who pays for electrical or gas defects in a rented home?

The landlord pays to bring worn wiring or installations up to standard and to obtain a certificate needed for the supply. See Checking a home's electrical installation (boletín eléctrico).

Who arranges the gas review in a rented home?

The holder of the gas supply arranges the review, usually the tenant, but the landlord is responsible for fixing defects. The distributor normally writes to warn you when it is due.

What happens if the gas review is overdue?

The distributor can suspend your gas supply after a formal warning until the review is passed. Regional authorities can also fine you, and an insurer may reduce cover for damage.

Do I need a new electrical certificate when I take over a home?

Usually not, if the supply is current and the certificate on file is still accepted, which is generally 20 years from issue. A new supply or a long-disconnected one usually needs a valid certificate.

How often should a gas boiler be checked compared with the gas installation?

The installation is reviewed every 5 years, while a gas boiler under 70 kW usually needs a maintenance check every 2 years by an authorised firm. These are separate visits.