If you own property in a building over 30 years old in Madrid, your building is likely required to undergo a Technical Building Inspection (Inspección Técnica de Edificios or ITE) in 2026. This is a mandatory legal obligation, and failure to comply can result in fines for the homeowners’ association and even liability in the event of building damage. In this guide, our urban planning lawyers at Quikprokuo explain everything you need to know: who must pass the ITE, what the deadlines are, what happens if your building fails, and how to handle the process effectively.
What is the ITE and why is it mandatory?
The ITE (Inspección Técnica de Edificios) is a mandatory technical assessment of the general condition of a building, carried out by a qualified architect or technical architect. Its purpose is to verify that buildings maintain minimum conditions of safety, stability, watertightness and structural integrity.
In Madrid, the ITE is regulated by Ordinance ANM 2011/8 and the Community of Madrid Land Use Law 9/2001. The obligation falls on the property owners, who must commission and pay for the inspection.
The ITE examines: the building’s structural elements, the facade and exterior walls (including cladding and ornamental features), roofing and waterproofing, plumbing, drainage and sanitation networks, and common areas and accessibility.
Which buildings must pass the ITE in Madrid in 2026?
In Madrid, all buildings must undergo their first ITE in the year following the one in which they turn 30 years old from the date of completion of new construction or comprehensive rehabilitation. Subsequent inspections must be carried out every 10 years.
This means that buildings completed in 1995 must pass their first ITE in 2026. To check whether your building is required to undergo inspection this year, you can consult the Madrid City Council’s electronic office, which publishes a register of buildings subject to inspection.
The ITE deadlines published by the Madrid City Council are established by year of construction and are publicly available.
What does the ITE inspect?
The technical inspection covers the following elements:
Structural condition: Foundations, load-bearing walls, pillars, beams and slabs. The inspector looks for cracks, deformations, dampness, corrosion of reinforcing steel and any signs of structural distress.
Facades and exterior walls: Cladding, rendering, balconies, cornices and ornamental elements. Detachment of materials, cracks and deterioration that could pose a risk to public safety are assessed.
Roofing: Waterproofing, drainage, chimneys and parapets. Water infiltration and deterioration of waterproofing membranes are common issues.
Plumbing and drainage: Water supply, sanitation networks and drainage systems. Leaks, blockages and deterioration of pipes are evaluated.
Accessibility: Since 2013, the ITE has been integrated into the Building Assessment Report (IEE), which also evaluates the building’s energy efficiency and accessibility conditions.
What are the possible ITE outcomes?
The ITE can result in one of the following outcomes:
Favorable: The building is in adequate condition. No immediate action is required beyond routine maintenance.
Favorable with recommendations: The building passes but certain non-urgent improvements are recommended. These should be addressed to prevent future deterioration.
Unfavorable: The building presents deficiencies that must be corrected. The homeowners’ association must undertake the necessary repair works within the timeframe established by the inspector. Once the works are completed, a new inspection must confirm that the deficiencies have been resolved.
Very unfavorable (with imminent risk): The building presents serious deficiencies that pose an immediate risk to safety. The City Council must be notified immediately, and precautionary measures may be required (such as partial evacuation or shoring).
What happens if your building does not pass the ITE?
If the ITE result is unfavorable, the homeowners’ association has the obligation to carry out the necessary repair works. The typical process is:
- The architect issues the ITE report identifying the deficiencies.
- The report is filed with the Madrid City Council through the electronic office.
- The homeowners’ association must approve the repair works and commission a project if necessary.
- Once the works are completed, a follow-up inspection is carried out to verify that the deficiencies have been corrected.
- The favorable ITE certificate is then filed with the City Council.
It is important to note that the costs of repair works are distributed among property owners according to their participation quotas, unless the deficiency is attributable to a specific owner (for example, a leak from a private terrace).
What are the consequences of not passing the ITE?
Failing to comply with the ITE obligation can have serious consequences:
Financial penalties: The Madrid City Council can impose fines on the homeowners’ association for not passing the ITE within the required deadline. Fines can be significant and may be imposed repeatedly until compliance is achieved.
Civil liability: If the building causes damage to third parties (for example, a facade element falls and injures a pedestrian), the homeowners’ association and individual owners may be held liable. The absence of a valid ITE aggravates this liability, as it demonstrates a lack of due diligence.
Insurance complications: Some insurance companies require a favorable ITE to maintain or renew building insurance policies. An unfavorable ITE or the absence of one can affect coverage.
Difficulty in selling: Potential buyers and their lawyers will check whether the building has a valid ITE. An unfavorable result or an expired ITE can deter buyers or reduce the property’s value.
As we explain in our article on urban planning sanctions, the consequences of non-compliance with building regulations go beyond mere fines.
How much does the ITE cost?
The cost of the ITE varies depending on the size and characteristics of the building. As a general reference for Madrid:
For a typical residential building of 20-30 apartments, the ITE inspection fee usually ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 euros plus VAT. This cost is distributed among all property owners according to their participation quotas.
If the ITE identifies deficiencies requiring repair works, the costs of those works are separate and can vary dramatically depending on the nature of the deficiencies (from minor facade repairs to major structural interventions).
How can Quikprokuo help you?
At Quikprokuo we have more than 25 years of experience advising homeowners’ associations, property owners and developers on building regulation compliance in Madrid. Our ITE-related services include:
- Legal advice on ITE obligations and deadlines.
- Representation of homeowners’ associations in disputes related to ITE repair works.
- Defense against municipal fines for non-compliance with ITE deadlines.
- Advice on the distribution of repair costs among property owners.
- Coordination with technical professionals for the ITE process.
Navigating the LIDER Law and its impact on urban planning procedures is essential in the current regulatory environment. Check out more articles on our urban planning blog.
Does your building need to pass the ITE in 2026? Don’t risk fines or liability.
Contact Quikprokuo for a free initial consultation.
Tel: +34 913 671 204 | Web: www.quikprokuo.com
