Signing a lease and upfront costsArticle 6 of 8 · 2 min read
Habitability and energy certificates before you rent
Every rental in Spain needs an energy certificate, and some regions also require a habitability certificate.
Key rules
- Energy certificate: The landlord must give you a copy at or before signing, and the energy label must appear in the advert.
- Contract validity: A missing energy certificate can bring the landlord a fine, but your contract stays valid.
- Cédula de habitabilidad: Required for renting in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, Galicia, Navarra and the Basque Country; not required in any other region, including Madrid and Andalusia.
- Regional rules: Requirements and consequences differ by region, so check your own before signing.
Which certificates a rental needs
Every rental needs an energy certificate. A cédula de habitabilidad is required only in some regions.
The energy certificate
The energy performance certificate (certificado de eficiencia energética) rates the home's energy use. If the landlord has none, the authorities can fine them: 300 to 600 euros for minor cases and up to 6,000 euros for serious ones. Ask for the certificate before you commit.
The cédula de habitabilidad
The cédula de habitabilidad says the home meets the minimum standards to be lived in. Whether a landlord needs one to rent out a home depends on the region.
- Required: Catalonia, Balearic Islands, Valencian Community, Galicia, Navarra and Basque Country. In some of these, a licence for occupation (licencia de ocupación or licencia de primera ocupación) can take its place.
- Not required for renting: every other region, including Madrid and Andalusia.
Validity differs. In Catalonia it lasts 15 years, and it must be renewed when the home is re-let for a new term. In Balearic Islands, Valencian Community and Galicia it lasts 10 years.
If the landlord has no cédula where one is required
You can ask the landlord to get one, and you can refuse to sign until they do. A cédula is often needed to connect water, electricity or gas. If you cannot get the utilities connected because it is missing, you can claim damages. If the home is truly unfit to live in, you may be able to cancel the contract under general rules.
Other papers worth asking for
Ask whether the building has passed its Inspección Técnica de Edificios (ITE), if it applies to the building.
How to check your region
Start with the website of your region's housing department (Consejería or Conselleria de Vivienda/Habitatge). Search for its name with "cédula de habitabilidad". You can also use its electronic office (sede electrónica).
If the landlord cannot produce a certificate, your town hall's housing office or consumer office (OMIC) can help.
More in Signing a lease and upfront costs
- Signing a Spanish rental contract step by step
- Lease clauses to check or challenge before you sign
- How much cash you need on signing day
- Who pays community fees, IBI and rubbish tax
- Where your deposit (fianza) goes and how to check it
- Documenting the flat's condition when you move in
- Renting a Spanish flat with a dog or cat
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