When Is the ITE Mandatory in the Canary Islands?

If you own a property or belong to a homeowners’ association in the Canary Islands, you have probably heard about the mandatory Technical Building Inspection (ITE) in the Canary Islands. Many owners are unclear, however, about exactly when they are required to carry it out, what happens if they fail to do so and which authority oversees the process. This article explains everything you need to know to comply with current regulations and avoid unnecessary penalties.

What is the ITE and what is it for?

The Technical Building Inspection (ITE, from the Spanish Inspección Técnica de Edificios) is a mandatory periodic review that assesses the state of preservation of a building. Its purpose is to guarantee the safety of occupants and passers-by by verifying that the structure, façade, roofs and general installations are in adequate condition.

This is not a voluntary inspection nor a simple recommendation. It is a legally regulated procedure that every building of a certain age must pass within the deadlines set by the regional and municipal authorities.

Which buildings are required to pass the ITE in the Canary Islands?

In the Canarian archipelago, the obligation to carry out the technical inspection mainly affects the following properties:

• Collective residential buildings more than 50 years old
• Buildings that, regardless of age, show visible signs of structural deterioration or damage to their common elements
• Properties about to undergo renovation works or applying for public funds for their refurbishment
• Buildings required to do so by municipal urban planning, as is the case in certain historic areas of Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

It is important to note that each Canary Islands town hall (municipal council) can set additional requirements or stricter deadlines. For that reason, we strongly recommend checking the specific municipal ordinance of your locality before assuming that the general deadline applies to your case.

Mandatory deadlines: when must the ITE be carried out in the Canary Islands?

The regulations establish that the first ITE must be carried out when a building reaches 50 years of age. From then on, the inspection must be repeated with a frequency of 10 years if the outcome is favourable, or sooner if the report identifies deficiencies requiring follow-up. The national framework comes from the Consolidated Text of the Land Law and Urban Rehabilitation (RDL 7/2015), while the enforcement calendar and technical criteria are set by each Canarian municipality.

How can you find out the age of your building?

You can check it at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad), through the Cadastre (Catastro) or by requesting the first occupation licence documentation from the corresponding town hall. If in doubt, a chartered architect can determine the approximate age through a preliminary technical inspection.

What happens if the building is already over 50 years old and has never passed the ITE?

In that case, the building is already in a situation of non-compliance and owners must remedy it as soon as possible. The authorities can require the inspection at their own initiative at any moment, especially if there have been incidents or complaints related to the state of the property.

What penalties exist for failing to carry out the ITE in the Canary Islands?

Non-compliance with the obligation to pass the Technical Building Inspection in the Canary Islands is not a minor matter. Consequences can range from financial penalties to the impossibility of transferring the property.

• Administrative fines: the regional authorities and municipal councils are entitled to impose financial penalties on owners who fail to meet the established deadlines. The amount varies depending on the severity of the case and the municipality.
• Execution orders: if the authority detects that the building poses a risk, it can issue an execution order forcing consolidation works to be carried out within a specific timeframe.
• Impossibility of selling or renting: transferring a property with a pending or unfavourable ITE can generate legal conflicts or notarial blockages, depending on the municipality and the state of the file.
• Civil liability: if an accident occurs as a consequence of the poor condition of the building, owners may face lawsuits for failing to comply with their maintenance and inspection obligations.

How the ITE is carried out: key steps

• Hire a chartered architect or building surveyor, who will be the competent technician to issue the official report.
• The technician performs an on-site inspection of the building, reviewing façades, roof, structure, common elements and installations.
• A technical report is issued with the outcome: favourable, with minor deficiencies, significant deficiencies or very serious deficiencies.
• The report is filed with the corresponding town hall for its official registration.
• If deficiencies are detected, a deadline is set to carry out the necessary corrective works.

How much does the ITE cost in Tenerife?

The price depends on the type of building, its age, the number of dwellings and the location. We have prepared a specific article with indicative price ranges by zone, what is included in the fees and which factors push the budget up or down.

See indicative price ranges by zone and what our ITE service includes → (in Spanish)

The best approach is to request a personalised quote from a firm with specific experience in Canary Islands regulations. Knowing the local town halls and processing times makes a real difference in speed and outcome.