Comparison
Asbestos certificate vs energy performance certificate: the differences
They are two different documents and, if you sell or rent a property built before 2002 in Catalonia, you need both. The energy performance certificate rates how much energy the property uses and is valid for up to ten years; the asbestos certificate states whether there is visible asbestos, its condition and the risk, and the law sets no expiry date for it.
Quick comparison
| Asbestos certificate | Energy performance certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Rule | Law 8/2026 (Catalonia) | Royal Decree 390/2021 (Spain) |
| What it states | Presence or absence of visible asbestos, condition and risk (art. 21.3) | Energy performance rating of the building or home |
| When | Sale or rental (art. 21.2); the Catalan Waste Agency requires it for properties built before 2002 | Sale or rental to a new tenant (art. 3.1.b), among other cases |
| Validity | No set expiry; reflects the condition on the day of the visit | Up to 10 years; 5 if rated G (art. 13) |
| Adverts | No obligation for the owner under Law 8/2026 | The label must appear in all offers and advertising (art. 15.2) |
| Who signs it | Qualified professional; per the Catalan Waste Agency, architects, building engineers and engineers | Qualified professional (art. 10) |
What each one measures
The energy performance certificate rates the property’s energy use and emissions and includes, among other documents, the certificate and the energy efficiency label (art. 8 of Royal Decree 390/2021).
The asbestos certificate is a visual inspection, without samples or laboratory analysis, that states whether there is visible asbestos, its condition and the risk to people (art. 21.3 of Law 8/2026).
Validity and adverts
The energy performance certificate is valid for up to ten years, or five if rated G (art. 13), and its label must be included in all offers, promotions and advertising for sale or rental (art. 15.2).
The asbestos certificate has no expiry date set by law. According to the Catalan Waste Agency, it is valid for successive rentals as long as there are no works or changes to the property.
Do I need both?
Yes, if you sell or rent a property built before 2002 in Catalonia: the energy certificate under Royal Decree 390/2021 and the asbestos one under Law 8/2026. One does not replace the other.
AmiantoCheck manages the asbestos certificate. If you already have a valid energy certificate, you do not need to renew it for this reason.
Related questions
Does the energy certificate cover asbestos?
No. They are different documents governed by different rules; the energy certificate does not state whether asbestos is present.
How long does each one last?
The energy certificate, up to 10 years (5 if rated G). The asbestos certificate has no expiry date set by law.
Do I have to include the asbestos certificate in the advert?
Law 8/2026 does not impose this obligation on the owner. The energy label, however, must appear in adverts.
Selling or renting in Barcelona or the metropolitan area?
We manage your asbestos certificate for €190 VAT and travel included. It is signed by an architect or building engineer. We speak English.
Get my certificateSources
- Catalan Law 8/2026 on the eradication of asbestos (Catalan Legal Portal, in Catalan)
- Royal Decree 390/2021, energy performance certification (BOE, in Spanish)
- Catalan Waste Agency: certificate model and the 2002 criterion (in Catalan)
AmiantoCheck is a private company that manages the certificate with qualified professionals. This information is for guidance only and is not legal advice.