When you are a property owner, you not only get a home, but also a lot of documents that you should know. All of them guarantee that the property meets the conditions to be inhabited. At this point, we are going to focus on two: the habitability certificate and the first occupancy license . Both are very important, and of course, they have their differences.
What is the certificate of habitability?
The certificate of habitability is an administrative document that certifies that a home meets the minimum requirements for being inhabited. This document is issued by the General Directorate of Housing of the autonomous community where the property is located, and guarantees that the home has the basic conditions of habitability, such as useful surface area and equipment (kitchen, bathrooms, facilities).
Functions of the certificate of habitability:
The most important function of this document is that it protects you. In other words, it ensures that the property is suitable for living in. In addition, it is a vitally important document for registering and signing the property. Lastly, it will be a key document when contracting utilities such as water, electricity or gas.
This certificate is mandatory for any procedure related to housing, whether it be buying, selling, renting or contracting basic services.
In the case of second-hand properties, the owner must provide a valid ID card. If the buyer does not have one, he or she must obtain one through a process that includes the presentation of several documents, such as the NIF, the property deed and proof of payment of fees. The ID card is valid for 15 years , after which it must be renewed.
What is the first occupancy license?
The first occupancy license is another administrative document issued by the city council. This is granted when a newly built home has been inspected and meets all the requirements established in the approved project. It is essential to formalize the occupation of the home and is mainly used for new homes.
Functions of the first occupancy license:
First of all, we should highlight that it serves as an authorization to occupy, that is, it verifies that the house is ready to be inhabited. In addition, it is a document required to activate the basic supplies of the house. Finally, it is a document that confirms that the work complies with the licenses and regulations, avoiding future legal problems.
The first occupancy license is processed by the developer and is a fundamental requirement for registering and selling the property. If the construction does not conform to the original project or does not comply with technical and safety standards, the city council can suspend the license until the irregularities are corrected.
Key differences between them:
1. Purpose :
either The certificate of habitability certifies that a home, whether new or used, meets the minimum habitability requirements.
either The first occupancy license focuses on newly built homes and guarantees that the work has been carried out in accordance with the approved project.
2. Emission :
either The certificate of habitability is issued by the autonomous community and is requested by the owner or buyer.
either The first occupancy license is issued by the city council and is managed by the developer.
3. Validity :
either The certificate of habitability is valid for 15 years and must be renewed once it expires.
either The first occupancy license only applies once, upon completion of the construction of a new home. For older homes, a second occupancy license with the same characteristics and validity can be requested.
In short, both documents are essential to ensure that a home meets the legal and technical requirements to be inhabited, although the habitability certificate is more generic and applies to any type of home, while the first occupancy license is specific to new homes.