Property owner’s guide · Catalonia
Required from 3 October 2026
Asbestos certificate in Catalonia: what you need to sell or rent out a property
When you must provide it, what it confirms and who can issue it. A basic template is now available from the Catalan Waste Agency (ARC).
If your property was built in 2002 or later, read about the difference between the Agency’s guidance and our recommendation.
01 · The requirement
When does the asbestos certificate become compulsory?
The requirement to provide an asbestos certificate when selling or renting out a property in Catalonia takes effect on 3 October 2026. It is set out in Article 21 of Law 8/2026 of 2 July on the eradication of asbestos.
The certificate reports on visible asbestos at the time of inspection and, if any is detected, on its condition and the risk to people. Implementing regulations are still pending, but the law already sets these minimum content requirements.
| Transaction | Who must provide it, and to whom |
|---|---|
| Property sale | The seller must give it to the buyer. |
| Rental | The landlord must give it to the tenant. |
If you have a transaction under way that will be formalised on or after that date, include obtaining the certificate in your preparations.
02 · Which properties are covered
Does it only apply to homes built before 2002?
It is not limited to homes. The requirement covers different types of property, including flats, commercial premises, offices and industrial buildings. There is an important distinction concerning the year of construction:
What the law says
Article 21 requires the certificate to be provided when a property is sold or rented out. It does not set a cut-off based on the year of construction.
The ARC’s published guidance
The Catalan Waste Agency states that the certificate is required for properties built before 2002, because the sale of materials containing asbestos was banned from that year.
PUNTO HABITAT’s recommendation
Given this difference, and until the implementing regulations clarify it, we recommend planning to obtain the certificate for all sales and rentals, regardless of the year of construction. This is a precautionary recommendation.
Does a flat’s certificate cover the whole building?
No. According to the ARC, when an individual unit such as a flat, commercial premises or an office is sold or rented out, the certificate covers that unit only. It does not certify the condition of the entire building or all its common areas and elements.
03 · The certificate and the professional
What must it include, and who can issue it?
During this transitional period, the certificate must report on at least:
- The presence or absence of visible asbestos in the property inspected.
- The condition of any materials containing asbestos.
- The risk those materials may pose to people.
Also check that the property, inspecting professional, date and scope of the inspection are identified. If suspect materials are found, their identity and location should be recorded.
A basic ARC template is now available
The Agency provides a template for use until the implementing regulations are approved. It is not yet the definitive template established by those regulations. The inspecting professional must complete and sign it after the inspection.
Which professionals can issue it?
Pending the implementing regulations, the ARC identifies professionals in architecture, technical architecture, engineering and technical engineering, acting within the scope of their respective professional qualifications in Spain. The regulations will specify the certificate’s characteristics and the qualifications required to issue it.
A visual inspection has limitations. The linked template covers visible and accessible spaces and elements. A negative result does not rule out hidden asbestos.
04 · Prepare the transaction
How do you obtain it before selling or renting out?
- Arrange the inspection. Give the inspecting professional the address, property type, year of construction and details of the planned transaction.
- Prepare access and documentation. Provide any available reports and arrange access to the spaces to be inspected. Any areas not inspected must be clearly identified.
- Review the certificate. Check the property and professional’s details, the date, the scope of the inspection and the information on asbestos presence, condition and risk.
- Arrange delivery. Give it to the buyer or tenant and keep a record of receipt. For a sale, send it to the notary’s office in advance, together with any documentation relating to asbestos grants or subsidies.
The certificate forms part of the transaction paperwork. Read our guide to the steps for selling a flat in Barcelona or find out how we help you rent out your flat in Barcelona.
05 · If suspect materials are found
Can you sell or rent out a property if asbestos is found?
The ARC explains that finding visible elements suspected of containing asbestos does not, in itself, prevent a sale or rental. The certificate serves to inform the parties.
The findings must be shared with the other party, and the inspecting professional must assess the condition and risk of the materials. Being able to complete the transaction does not remove any applicable maintenance, management or removal obligations.
For a transfer for consideration, such as a sale, the law’s seventh additional provision requires the asbestos presence certification and any grants under Article 26 to be recorded in the Land Registry. The notary’s office needs this documentation to prepare the transaction.
06 · Practical questions
Frequently asked questions about the certificate
Do I need the certificate before advertising the property?
It is currently sufficient to have the certificate before formalising the contract. Arranging it in advance helps you prepare the transaction.
How long is it valid for?
No specific validity period has been set yet. The certificate records what was observed during the inspection.
Can I reuse it for successive rental agreements?
Yes. It can be reused provided there have been no changes to the property.
Are samples or laboratory tests required?
The ARC’s basic template provides for a visual inspection, without testing. Its scope is limited to visible and accessible elements.
Can checking the asbestos register replace the certificate?
No. Article 21 requires the certificate to be provided, independently of checking information in the asbestos register.
Does a negative result rule out hidden asbestos?
No. The absence of visible asbestos does not guarantee that there are no hidden, inaccessible or visually unidentifiable materials.
How much does an asbestos certificate cost?
The quote depends on the property and the scope of the inspection. At PUNTO HABITAT, if you instruct us to sell your flat, we arrange the asbestos certificate at no extra cost as part of our sales service.
Sources for this guide
- Law 8/2026 of 2 July: publication in the DOGC (Catalan) and text in the BOE (Spanish). Article 21, the seventh additional provision and the seventh final provision.
- Catalan Waste Agency (Agència de Residus de Catalunya): certificate information and basic template (in Catalan).
The implementing regulations are still pending. For a specific transaction, coordinate the paperwork with the inspecting professional and, for a sale, with the notary’s office.
Sell with PUNTO HABITAT
Your asbestos certificate, at no extra cost when you sell with us.
As part of our sales service, we arrange the asbestos certificate at no extra cost. We also renew the occupancy certificate (cèdula d’habitabilitat) and energy performance certificate if they have expired. We prepare your flat’s paperwork and support you through to signing.