Guide for estate agents: managing the asbestos certificate

What the law requires

The seller or landlord must provide the asbestos presence or absence certificate (art. 21.2 of Law 8/2026). Article 12 extends to property managers and “other related professionals” the duty to ensure that the owner provides the certificate and to assist them in obtaining it.

Failing to provide it is a minor offence, with fines of €100 to €3,000 (arts. 53.c and 54), which will apply once the decree implementing the penalty regime is approved (seventh final provision).

How to build it into your workflow

1. When taking on a property, check the year of construction (Catastro). If it is before 2002, the property needs the certificate.
2. Ask the owner whether they already have one. If there have been no works or changes since it was issued, it is still valid.
3. Order it before listing or, at the latest, before the reservation, so it is ready for the notary or the signing of the lease.
4. Coordinate the professional’s visit (30-45 minutes) with the owner or current tenant.
5. Add the signed PDF to the transaction documents.

Who pays in a rental

For residential rentals, article 20.2 of the Spanish Urban Leases Act (LAU) bans passing contract preparation and formalisation costs on to the tenant, directly or indirectly. The asbestos certificate must be paid for by the owner.

How we work with agencies

• A single point of contact for all the certificates in your portfolio, in English or Spanish.
• We coordinate the visit with the owner or tenant.
• Volume pricing and a single monthly invoice.
• Reference price: €190 VAT included (€157.02 + VAT) for flats, commercial units and offices up to 150 m² in Barcelona and the metropolitan area.

Related questions