If you need to connect utilities, change the electricity or water account holder, or rent your home in the Valencian Community, you probably need the second occupancy licence. Here is what it is, what documents are required and how I process it.
What the second occupancy responsible declaration is
The second occupancy responsible declaration (also called the second occupancy licence or second occupancy certificate) is the procedure by which the owner of a home that has been built and previously occupied declares to the town hall that the property meets the minimum habitability conditions. It replaces the old habitability certificate in most municipalities of the Valencian Community.
Unlike the first occupancy licence — obtained on completion of new construction — second occupancy is requested when the home has already been occupied at least once and the document needs renewing for one of the reasons explained below.
What it's for
You need it to:
- Connect utilities (water, electricity, gas) when changing account holder or after a disconnection.
- Rent the home — many town halls require it to formalise the contract.
- Apply for the tourist licence (VUT) — it's a prerequisite.
- Sell — the notary doesn't always require it, but having it speeds up the transaction.
In practice, the most common situation is that the utility company (Iberdrola, Aguas de Dénia, etc.) asks for it to process the change of account holder for the electricity or water supply.
Requirements and documentation
To submit the responsible declaration you need:
- Technical habitability report signed by an architect or technical architect, certifying that the home meets the conditions of sanitation, safety and hygiene.
- Title deed or land registry extract (nota simple) proving ownership.
- Proof of payment of the municipal fee.
- Floor plan of the home (I include it in the report).
The technical report is the key piece. It involves an inspection visit where I check the condition of the structure, the installations (plumbing, electrical, drainage), natural ventilation and the minimum room areas.
How it's processed step by step
The process has four steps:
- Request and visit. You contact me, we arrange the visit to the property and I carry out the inspection with measurements and photographs.
- Drafting the report. I draft the technical habitability report, signed and stamped as a chartered architect.
- Submission to the town hall. I submit the responsible declaration with all the documentation through the relevant town hall's electronic portal.
- Issuance of the receipt. The town hall issues a submission receipt which, under the responsible declaration regime, enables occupancy immediately. There's no need to wait for an express ruling.
Timing and fees
Municipal fees are separate: if the town hall charges a fee, the client pays it. It is a cost separate from the technical fee.
From the visit to submission, the usual turnaround is 48 to 72 hours, depending on the complexity of the property and the speed of the municipal electronic registry.
How much the technical report costs
My fee as a chartered architect:
- Urban flats: from €150 + VAT (fixed fee).
- Houses and villas: from €200 + VAT.
Municipal fees are separate. You can see the breakdown on the second occupancy service page.
Difference from the first occupancy licence
The first occupancy licence is granted when a newly built building finishes works and proves it complies with the approved project. Habitability certificate is requested for homes that have already had at least one occupant and need to renew the document. Requirements, process and cost are different. If you're unsure which one you need, ask me with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Does second occupancy replace the habitability certificate?
In the Valencian Community, yes. Current regulations refer to the second occupancy responsible declaration, which serves the same function as the old habitability certificate.
How long does the town hall take?
Under the responsible declaration regime, the submission receipt enables occupancy immediately. There's no need to wait for an express ruling.
Do I need second occupancy to sell?
The notary doesn't always require it, but having it speeds up the transaction and avoids last-minute delays with utilities.
Do you include submission to the town hall?
Yes. I handle the full electronic submission.