The habitability certificate.

The habitation certificate (cédula habitabilidad) is an essential document in Catalonia that certifies that a home meets the minimum requirements to be considered habitable. This certificate is essential for renting or selling a property, as well as for contracting basic services such as water, electricity, or gas.

Regarding the minimum usable square meters, current regulations establish differences between new and old homes. For newly constructed buildings, the minimum required usable area is 40 m². This requirement ensures that the property has enough space for a living-dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and at least one bedroom. Additionally, these homes must be suitable for occupancy by two people and must have at least one living room, one bathroom, a kitchen, and provide a solution for natural clothes drying.

On the other hand, for second-hand or old homes (built before August 11, 1984), the minimum usable area is reduced to 20 m². This difference reflects changes in regulations over time and allows many older homes to obtain the habitation certificate.

It is important to note that, in addition to the area, there are other requirements to meet. For instance, the minimum height of the home should generally be 2.5 meters, although a height of 2.2 meters is allowed in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

The habitation certificate not only ensures minimum living conditions but also contributes to improving the quality of homes in Catalonia. To obtain it, it is necessary to request an inspection by a qualified technician, who will assess whether the property meets all requirements established by current regulations.

It is important to consider that the habitation certificate is valid for fifteen years, both for new and used homes.