Before putting your flat up for rent in the Canary Islands, you need certain paperwork in order. The one people ask about most — and the one that causes the most confusion — relates to the habitability of the property. In this guide we clarify which documents letting requires in the Canary Islands, what each one is for and how to obtain them, so you can get started without any legal surprises.
What proves a property is fit to live in
Habitability certifies that a property meets the minimum conditions to be lived in: floor area, ventilation, water and electricity installations, sanitation and safety. It is the document that confirms the property is legally fit for someone to live in.
In the Canary Islands, this status is linked to the first occupancy licence (for new builds) and, where applicable, the second occupancy or renewal licence issued by the relevant town council. Unlike other autonomous communities that issue a “habitability certificate” as such, in the Canary Islands the equivalent document is usually processed at municipal level, so it is wise to confirm the exact procedure with your local town council.
Important: the rules and the terminology can vary from one municipality to another and be updated over time. Always check the current requirements with your town council or a qualified surveyor before letting.
Documents a landlord usually needs to let
Beyond habitability, letting in the Canary Islands means having several documents ready. These are the usual ones:
1. Proof of habitability / occupancy licence
Confirms the property is fit to live in. It is requested from the town council and, for older properties, may require a technical certificate confirming the conditions are still met.
2. Energy performance certificate
This is compulsory to let any property in Spain, the Canary Islands included. A qualified surveyor issues it after visiting the property, it is valid for up to 10 years, and its rating (A to G) must appear in the listings. Without it, you cannot legally advertise the let.
3. Installation certificate
Depending on the age of the property, you may be required to provide an up-to-date electrical or gas installation certificate.
4. Property documentation
Up-to-date title deed or land registry extract proving ownership, plus being up to date on community fees and council tax (IBI).
What if my flat’s paperwork isn’t up to date?
This is very common, especially with inherited properties or ones that have been empty for years. The key thing is not to advertise the let until you have at least the energy certificate and habitability sorted, because the penalties for non-compliance can be significant and, above all, because a contract signed without the paperwork in order leaves you in a very weak position in any dispute.
If your flat has been closed up for a while, you might want to read the real cost of leaving your flat empty in the Canary Islands first: more often than not, sorting out the paperwork and putting the flat to work more than pays for itself.
The paperwork, within a well-run let
Having the documents in order is the first step, but letting also involves a solid contract and complying with tenancy regulations. We cover this in the guide to essential clauses in a Canary Islands rental contract and, if you are going to let by the room, in the guide to room-rental legislation in the Canary Islands.
How to skip the paperwork entirely
Gathering and keeping all this documentation up to date — and renewing it when it expires — is one of the reasons many landlords end up leaving the flat empty. With the rent-to-rent model, a professional company takes care of checking that everything is in order and managing the let from start to finish, while you collect a fixed, guaranteed rent.
At Looping Rooms we review the documentation status of your property with you as part of the process, without you having to wrestle with paperwork. Request a free valuation and we’ll tell you what your flat needs and how much you could earn. You can also see how our model works and the areas where we operate.
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