Septic Tanks and Certificate of Habitation Laws in the Valencia Region

New Developments Affecting Rural Properties in Valencia

In recent years, there have been notable changes in the legal framework governing the issuance of the Certificate of Habitation (Cédula de Habitabilidad) in the Valencia Region, especially for properties located on rustic land.

While this new regulation does not apply to other regions such as Murcia or Andalusia, it has a significant impact on property owners in rural Valencia, particularly with regard to wastewater treatment and septic tank systems.

A Step Forward: Legalizing Rustic Properties

One of the most positive aspects of the reform is that it opens the door for older properties on rustic land—which previously lacked legal habitation status—to obtain the Certificate of Habitation. This development has been long advocated not only by law firms like TLACORP, but also by various legal experts and even by the High Courts of Valencia and Madrid.

However, this opportunity comes with important conditions, especially relating to wastewater management systems, such as septic tanks.

What Will Local Authorities Require?

According to the draft of the new regulation (not yet fully in force), local Town Halls will require the following from homeowners applying for a Certificate of Habitation for properties located on non-urban (rustic) land:

Detailed information about how the property handles its residual or wastewater.
If the current system does not comply with environmental regulations, the property owner must install or adapt the system to a certified wastewater treatment solution—typically a septic tank with a filtering or depuration system.

Common Questions About Septic Tank Requirements

At TLACORP, we have received numerous inquiries from clients and property owners regarding how to comply with these emerging requirements. Here are some of the most frequent questions and answers:

🔹 How Do I Know If I Have a Certified Septic Tank?

A legally certified septic tank should come with a certificate from the installation company, confirming that the system meets European environmental regulations (EC Certified). If you’re unsure, you should request documentation from your installer.

🔹 I Don’t Have Any Certificate. How Can I Check If My System Is Compliant?

You should contact a specialized wastewater treatment company. These professionals can inspect your system—often using micro-cameras—and verify whether it meets the necessary legal standards. If it doesn’t, they will advise on the required upgrades or replacement.

🔹 I Have a Certified Septic Tank. Can I Reuse the Treated Water for Irrigation?

Not without a permit. Even if your tank includes a filtering system, you must apply for a permit from the Hydrographical Confederation (Confederación Hidrográfica) in your region before using the treated water for irrigation or dispersing it underground. Without this permit, you cannot legally spread treated water on your land.

🔹 I Use a Watertight Holding Tank That Is Emptied by a Waste Removal Company. Is That Acceptable?

It depends. In some cases, local authorities may accept sealed holding tanks, provided that waste is professionally collected and transported. However, interpretation may vary from one Town Hall to another. Some may require a full septic tank with depuration, regardless of your current system. Unfortunately, this will only become clear once the law is fully in force and each municipality issues its local interpretation.

Practical Advice for Homeowners and Buyers

If you own a rural property or plan to purchase one in the Valencia Region, it is crucial to check the wastewater system now—especially if the property is more than 10 years old or was never issued a Certificate of Habitation.
If you’re unsure about the compliance of your septic tank, contact a certified wastewater specialist for an inspection.
Be proactive: legalizing your property now may be easier (and cheaper) than waiting for enforcement.

Final Thoughts

While the law is not yet definitively enacted, it is clear that wastewater compliance will become a central issue for rustic property owners in the Valencia Region. The aim is not only to protect the environment, but also to ensure that rural properties meet basic habitability standards.

This update is offered for informational purposes only and reflects our interpretation of the law as it stands today. We will continue to monitor developments and will publish further updates as the legal framework evolves.