BUILDING USE PERMIT: CHECKING & PREPARING THE DOCUMENTATION
A use permit is important because it
- proves that the building is safe for its occupants
- allows a buyer to get a bank loan
- can increase the value of the property
- can ensure that the insurer pays out in the event of an incident
However, applying for and obtaining a use permit can turn into a long, drawn-out process if the necessary documentation is missing or non-compliant. Tulipunane OÜ's experienced experts will help you obtain a use permit for your building and spare you the tedious paperwork!
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We check the documentation, come to the site, collect and prepare the necessary documents for the use permit.
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We upload the required documents
to the building register so that the use permit can be issued
What is a use permit and why do you need one?
A use permit is the local authority's confirmation that a building meets the applicable requirements and may be used.
At first glance it may seem an unnecessary formality – if the owner lives in the house and everything is fine, why does it need a use permit? It becomes a problem, however, when you want to buy a house with a bank loan. Banks today will not finance the purchase of a property without a use permit. If they do, it is only when there is a good reason for the missing permit or when the loan agreement includes a clause that the use permit must be obtained within a set period. Unfortunately, the permit is usually missing simply because the paperwork was never done – and that is not considered a good reason. So you may well find yourself without enough of your own funds, without a bank loan, and without your dream home.
Even if you built the house yourself or bought it with your own money and plan to live there for the rest of your life, unexpected situations can arise that force you to sell. In that case a use permit is extremely important – without one, you may put off a large share of potential buyers.
Insurance does not cover buildings without a use permit
If a property has no use permit, one of the biggest risks concerns insurance claims. Without a use permit, the insurer may refuse to pay out after an incident. This is because a building without a use permit has not been legalised, and it is impossible to say exactly what caused the incident – in an unlegalised building, the cause may well be that the building does not meet the requirements. Fires are especially dangerous. Getting a fire safety audit and an electrical audit is an essential part of applying for a use permit. If an incident is caused by a non-compliant electrical system – a common cause of fires – you can be fairly sure you will have to cover the damage yourself.
How can I check whether a building is legalised / has a use permit?
You can check whether a use permit exists in the building register (ehr.ee). To do so:
1. Enter the building's address, cadastral number or similar in the search box.
2. Click on the building's “building register code”
3. Select “Documents” from the menu
4. If a use permit has been issued and entered in the register, you will find it in the list of documents.
Which documents are needed to apply for a use permit?
The use permit application must include:
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The building design according to which the building was built
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A construction expertise or audit report*
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An electrical installation audit
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A setting-out report or as-built survey
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A heating system expertise* together with a chimney sweeping report
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Copies of the water and sewerage, electricity supply and waste collection contracts (and a gas contract for gas heating)
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A payment order proving that the state fee has been paid
*If the required reports on covered works and construction logs are missing
What if the documentation is incomplete?
If the documentation for the use permit application is incomplete, the missing documents must be prepared or (for older buildings) replaced with the corresponding audits. Audits and expertises must be issued by certified experts. Don't worry – our experts deal with these issues every day. We replace and complete the missing documentation.
How does the use permit application work?
Once the documentation is complete, the use permit is applied for digitally via the building register (EHR). You can upload the documents yourself or have Tulipunane OÜ's experts do it for you.
Tulipunane OÜ is a reliable and experienced partner for use permit applications. We prepare and gather all the necessary documents and submit them to the building register for the permit to be issued.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether my building has a use permit?
Search the building register (ehr.ee) by the building’s address or cadastral code, open the building’s register code and select “Documents”. If a use permit has been issued, it is in the list of documents.
Why is a use permit needed?
A use permit proves that the building meets the requirements and may be used. Without it, a bank may refuse to finance the purchase of the property and the insurer may refuse to compensate damage, especially fire damage.
What documents are needed to apply for a use permit?
Usually the building design, a construction expertise or audit, an electrical installation audit, a setting-out report or as-built survey, a heating system and chimney sweeping report (if there is heating), a fire safety audit, and water, sewerage, electricity and waste collection contracts. Missing reports on covered works are replaced by expert audits and expertises.
Do you help with the whole use permit process?
Yes. We check the existing documentation, prepare the missing documents, handle communication with the authorities and submit the application in the building register.
What does the cost of applying for a use permit depend on?
The size, complexity, location and condition of the building, and how many documents already exist. Send us an inquiry for an exact offer.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES & FIRE SAFETY PRODUCTS
Everything in one place – if our audit, expertise or inspection reveals deficiencies, you can conveniently get both chimney sweeping services and fire safety products from us.
