The completion of a garden house and its official registration is an important step for every builder or landowner. Even if the building is small or was built for personal use, its completion must be formalized in accordance with applicable laws. Depending on the need for a building permit, the type of building, and the construction period, the requirements for registration may vary.
When is it necessary to register a garden house?
Regardless of whether a garden house is a simple structure or was built with a permit, its completion must be registered. This is necessary both for cadastral measurements and for registering the building in the Real Estate Register.
According to Article 28 of the Construction Law, completion of construction is a mandatory action that is formalized in one of two forms:
- A builder’s declaration of completion of construction, when the structure is not classified as one that requires commission inspection;
- A construction completion certificate, where a mandatory commission procedure is required.
The Building Inspection also notes that commissioning is necessary even if no permit was required for construction, but the object is already standing – see their official explanation here.
What documents are required for commissioning a garden house?
The documents required for completion of construction depend on whether a permit was issued for the construction or whether the garden house is classified as a simple structure. However, regardless of how many documents are required, the most important thing is that they are correct, up to date, and prepared in accordance with the applicable legislation.
Documents required when a building permit was not required
If the structure was built without a permit (because it was not required under STR 1.01.03:2017) but its construction has been completed, the following must be submitted:
- Declaration of completion of construction (completed via INFOSTATYBĄ);
- A file of cadastral measurements of the building, prepared by a surveyor;
- Project documentation, if any was prepared;
- Land ownership documents (or lease agreement).
These documents are reviewed by the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate, which checks whether the building complies with the law.
When a building permit was issued
In this case, the procedure is more complicated because the provisions of Article 28 of the Construction Law apply. You will need:
- A declaration or construction completion certificate, depending on the category of the building;
- A copy of the building permit;
- Project supervision documents (if applicable);
- An energy performance certificate if the building is for residential use;
- Cadastral measurement documents;
- Geodetic photographs (if specified in the design solutions).
How does the acceptance procedure work in the INFOSTATYBA system?
The completion of a garden house in Lithuania must be formalized through the INFOSTATYBA system. This is an electronic platform through which the builder (or their authorized representative) submits all the required documents and completes the construction completion procedure.
Logging into the system and registering a new request
To start the submission process, the builder logs into the system using an electronic signature or Smart-ID. In the system, select the “Completion of construction” function and register a new service request. It is necessary to specify the address of the building so that the documents submitted can be linked to a specific object.
Uploading documents and filling out forms
Depending on whether a building permit was required, the following must be submitted to INFOSTATYBA:
- Declaration of completion of construction (if it is a simple structure without a permit);
- A construction completion certificate if a building permit was required (e.g., when a garden house exceeds the criteria for a simple structure);
- The building’s cadastral measurement file;
- An expert opinion, if required under Article 28(3) of the Construction Law;
- Energy performance certificate, if the purpose of the building is changed to residential.
All information submitted to the system is reviewed by the responsible authority, usually specialists from the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate (VTPSI). If everything meets the requirements, a confirmation of completion of construction is issued within a few working days.
What are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them when registering a garden house?
The process of registering a garden house often seems simple in theory. In practice, however, many builders encounter various problems that complicate or even halt the completion procedure. In order to avoid these problems, it is important to be aware of the most common mistakes.
Incomplete documentation
One of the most common mistakes is that not all the required documents are submitted or they are submitted in the wrong format. The most common omissions are:
- cadastral survey files;
- expert conclusions (where required);
- incorrectly completed declarations of completion of construction;
- unupdated drawings or project documents after changes.
Such deficiencies may result in the application being rejected and all information having to be resubmitted.
Discrepancies between the building and the project
Builders often make minor changes to the project during construction but fail to document them properly. If the building differs from the project, an additional certificate of construction without significant deviations may be required, which slows down the process.
Unregistered building in the Real Estate Register
Some builders try to register a house without registering it as real estate. However, real estate registration is mandatory – without it, the procedure cannot be completed.
Incorrect method of registration
A garden house can be registered in two ways – through a declaration of completion of construction or a completion certificate, if a building permit was required. If the wrong method is chosen, the entire procedure may be rejected.
Need help?
If you have any doubts about what documents are required or how exactly the registration process works, the stav.lt team can help. Our specialists will advise you on all registration issues, review the available documents, help you compile them, and fill out the forms so that your house is successfully registered.