I still find it incredible, given all of the recent publicity, that people are willing to complete on properties when there is no Certificate of Habitation issued and when, at the time of completion there are no services connected
The law in Spain is very clear that if you have completed on a property that does not have a Certificate of Habitation it is the LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY of the builder to provide utility connections. If they fail to do this you can call the police and report them as it is a serious offence.
The issuing of the Certificate is not automatic and is subject to a series of inspections by the Town Hall and often it is not for the whole site, they are normally issued phase by phase
Once the Certificates are available it is then the responsibility of the owner, normally with help from their lawyer or agent, to apply for electricity and water connections and only then will meters and a main supply fuse be installed at the property. The supplier normally has to be able to get into the property to install the fuse.
Please be aware of delays, even after the Certificates are issued, due to meter and fuse installations
Nothing happens until the suppliers have your bank and NIE details and they will then debit your accounts around €200 connection fees. Because we are
Because we are involved in checking lots of properties In the Murcia region we know there are currently delays in getting Certificate issued and meters installed, due to demand and limited staff handling Certification with 4 new developments currently going through the process including 2 Polaris developments and the 2 other large golf sites, totaling over 4000 properties
Our advice still remains, and is the same advice given by many independent lawyers, do not complete without a Certificate of Habitation
We have now produced questions and answer document that explains the process and gives advice on how to formally complain and if you would like a copy please e-mail qandaguide@inspectahomespain.comThis message was last edited by inspectahomespain on 11/13/2007.