Habitability certificate, second occupancy licence, responsible declaration… these terms are used as synonyms, but they aren't exactly the same. Here I clear up the differences and tell you which one you need.
The usual confusion
If you've tried to connect the electricity, change the water account holder or list your flat for rent, you've probably been asked for the "habitability certificate" (cédula de habitabilidad). And when you look it up you find that in the Valencian Community it's no longer called that: it's now the "second occupancy responsible declaration". Is it the same thing? Almost — but not entirely.
What the habitability certificate is
The habitability certificate was the document confirming that a home met the minimum conditions to be lived in: floor area, ventilation, installations, sanitation. It was issued by the regional administration (the Generalitat) and was valid for 10 years.
In many Spanish regions it still exists under that name. In the Valencian Community, however, the regulations replaced it with the second occupancy responsible declaration, which is processed at municipal level, not regional.
What the second occupancy responsible declaration is
It's the procedure that replaces the certificate in the Valencian Community. The owner submits a responsible declaration to the town hall — accompanied by a technical habitability report signed by an architect — stating that the home meets the conditions to be inhabited.
The main difference from the old certificate is that it works under a responsible declaration regime: there's no need to wait for the administration to issue a ruling. The submission receipt enables occupancy immediately.
Key differences
Summarised:
- Name: the certificate is the generic term (still used colloquially and in other regions). Second occupancy is the legal term currently in force in the Valencian Community.
- Who issues it: the certificate was issued by the Generalitat. Second occupancy is processed at the town hall.
- Procedure: the certificate required an express ruling (weeks/months). Second occupancy works by responsible declaration (immediate effect).
- Technical report: in both cases a report from a qualified technician is required. The content is similar.
- Practical effect: exactly the same — it works to connect utilities, rent, and prove habitability.
Which one you need
If your home is in the Valencian Community, you need the second occupancy responsible declaration. When the electricity company, the water company or the estate agent asks you for the "habitability certificate", this is what you need to arrange.
If your home is in another region, check the local regulations — each one has its own name and procedure.
How it's processed
The process is straightforward:
- Hire me for the inspection and the technical report.
- Visit to the property: measurements, inspection of installations and general condition.
- Drafting and signing of the technical habitability report.
- Submission of the responsible declaration to the town hall (I handle this).
- Submission receipt: from that moment, the home is enabled.
Typical turnaround: 48–72 h from the visit. Rate: flats from €150 + VAT, houses from €200 + VAT (municipal fees separate). See the service details →
Frequently asked questions
Does the habitability certificate no longer exist in Valencia?
As a regional procedure, no. It has been replaced by the second occupancy responsible declaration, processed at the town hall. The practical effect is the same.
Is my old habitability certificate still valid?
If you have one issued by the Generalitat that is still within its validity period, some utility providers accept it. But new applications require the second occupancy responsible declaration.
How much does it cost?
My fee is €150 + VAT for urban flats and €200 + VAT for houses. Municipal fees are separate: if the town hall charges a fee, the client pays it.