Taking possession of a new flat is one of the most exciting moments for any homebuyer. But what many first-time buyers do not realize is that the possession stage is also one of the riskiest. Builders often hurry the handover process, minor issues are overlooked, and buyers accept the keys without a thorough inspection. This leads to problems later, such as seepage, faulty wiring, broken tiles, uneven flooring, damaged windows, and even missing amenities.

A detailed home inspection using a proper checklist before taking possession of a flat is your strongest safeguard. It ensures you get exactly what was promised and prevents expensive repairs after you move in. Whether you are buying a ready-to-move-in apartment or taking possession of an under-construction flat, this guide explains the essentials of home inspection, documents to verify, items to test inside the flat, checks for common areas, and the handover process to follow before you accept the keys.

Key Takeaways

1. Always complete a documented home inspection before accepting the keys. Once possession is signed, many builders may refuse to fix issues that existed earlier.
2. A complete checklist for flat possession must cover legal documents, structural elements, plumbing, electricals, appliances, safety systems, and common amenities.
3. Ensure all utilities such as water, electricity, lifts, fire systems, and security controls are fully functional before handover.
4. Verify all financial clearances, including maintenance dues, corpus payments, GST invoices, and final demand letters.
5. Never rush the process. Use written communication, take photographs, and ask for a rectification timeline before signing the possession letter.

What to Check Before Taking Possession of Your Flat

Possession is not just a symbolic event. It is the legal point at which the builder transfers responsibility of the unit to you. If you do not inspect thoroughly at this stage, you may later have to spend money on issues that were caused during construction. Below is a detailed guide covering the legal, structural, functional, and financial items every buyer must check before moving in.

Step 1: Verify Essential Legal Documents Before Possession

Before you inspect the flat physically, review all legal documents. These documents give you proof of ownership, secure your rights, and protect you in case of disputes.

Important documents to collect and verify

1. Occupancy Certificate (OC)

This confirms the building is fit for living. Never take possession without an OC unless it is legally justified. Without OC, you may face issues with electricity, water supply, and resale.

2. Completion Certificate (CC)

This certifies that construction matches the approved plans and specifications.

3. Sale Agreement and All Amendments

Match the final flat configuration, carpet area, and promised features with your agreement.

4. NOC from the Financing Bank (if applicable)

If you took a home loan, ensure the builder has received full payment from the bank.

5. Electricity and Water Connection Approvals

Check if utilities have been individually sanctioned for your unit.

6. Property Tax Assessment IDs

Collect the details needed for future property tax payments.

7. RERA Documentation

Review the RERA registration details, including promised amenities, completion dates, and sanctioned plans.

8. Parking Allotment Letter

Ensure that your parking slot is clearly identified and legally allocated.

A buyer should never accept possession if these documents are incomplete, contradictory, or missing. Always ask for photocopies and keep digital backups.

Step 2: Inspect Structural Elements and Physical Quality

Once legal documents are verified, begin the physical inspection. This is the heart of your checklist.

What to inspect inside the flat

Walls and Paint Finish

Check for cracks, hollow sounds when tapped, damp patches, peeling paint, or discoloration.

Flooring and Tiles

Ensure tiles are not cracked, chipped, or uneven. Check for gaps, hollow tiles, or loose edges, which later cause popping.

Doors and Windows

Check for proper alignment, smooth opening and closing, locking mechanisms, and weather sealing.

Ceilings

Look for leakage marks, paint patches, or structural cracks.

Balcony and Utility Areas

Ensure the slope is correct to avoid water stagnation. Railings must be firmly fixed.

Staircases, railings, and common corridor flooring

Poor workmanship here often becomes visible only after many residents move in.

Plumbing and bathroom inspection

• Test all taps for water pressure

• Check for leaks under the sink

• Drain water in bathrooms and kitchens to confirm proper flow

• Flush toilets to check for blockages

• Inspect concealed plumbing for seepage

Electrical inspection

Test all points:

• Switches

• Power sockets

• Fans

• Lights

• Geyser points

• AC points

• TV and Wi-Fi wiring

Verify the MCB distribution board, earthing, and phase connections. Also, confirm that the electrical load capacity matches what was promised in your agreement.

Kitchen inspection

• Countertop alignment and sealing

• Cabinet quality, hinges, and corners

• Sink drain flow

• Tap pressure

• Plumbing access doors

• Exhaust point availability

A kitchen often has the most plumbing and electrical connections, so inspect it carefully.

Step 3: Check Utility Services and Functional Systems

Before you accept possession, ensure that all major utilities are working. Builders often hand over units with temporary or partial setups, which become troublesome once you move in.

Items to test

Electricity Connection Check if your electricity meter is installed. Temporary builder power should never be considered acceptable for possession.

Water Supply Test water pressure at all points. Ensure the overhead tank and sump are operational.

Sewage and STP Systems Bad sewage smell means the STP has not been commissioned properly.

Lifts and Elevators Confirm they are functional, have safety certificates, and have emergency intercom working.

Fire Safety Systems Check: • Fire extinguishers • Hose reels • Sprinklers • Smoke detectors • Fire exits and signboards

Intercom and Security Systems Verify CCTV coverage, intercom connectivity, boom barriers, and access control systems.

Generator Backup Test DG power by switching off main supply.

If any of these are incomplete or malfunctioning, the builder must fix them before you take possession.

Step 4: Inspect Amenities and Common Areas

Your possession checklist should not be limited to inside the flat. A significant part of society maintenance charges is tied to amenities. Inspecting these areas helps avoid future disputes.

What to check

Clubhouse

Check gym equipment, flooring, ventilation, and access control.

Swimming Pool

Verify filtration systems, water quality, and safety railings.

Children’s Play Area

Inspect flooring material, equipment quality, and safety padding.

Parking Areas

Ensure your parking is clearly demarcated. Check visitor parking, basement ventilation, and water leakage issues.

Garden and Landscaping

Plants, lawns, and irrigation systems should be in place.

Internal Roads and Pathways

Check for potholes, finishing quality, and lighting.

Boundary Wall and Security Cabin

Confirm safety measures and fencing are complete.

Amenities listed in the brochure must match what is delivered. If construction is incomplete, document it clearly and seek a timeline.

Step 5: Verify Financial Clearances

Before key collection, review all financial aspects thoroughly.

Essential financial checks

Final Demand Letter

Ensure the builder has raised all dues on time and that calculations match your agreement.

GST Invoices

Check GST on milestones, maintenance, and corpus payments.

Advance Maintenance

Verify the amount collected, duration covered, and inclusions.

Corpus Fund Receipt

Confirm the corpus amount and collect acknowledgment.

Delay Penalty Payments

If you are eligible, ensure the builder pays penalties as per RERA or contract terms.

Bank NOC

If you took a loan, your bank should confirm there are no pending dues.

Double checking finances helps prevent overbilling or disputes when you apply for OC-based services later.

Step 6: Understand the Handover and Key Collection Process

Possession is only complete when the handover checklist is signed.

Steps in the handover process

1. Conduct a detailed inspection using a written checklist.
2. Note all defects and get them acknowledged by the builder.
3. Sign a snags list with rectification timelines.
4. Re-inspect after rectification.
5. Collect the possession letter only after all issues are resolved.
6. Collect the keys and move-in kits.

Never sign the possession letter before the inspection is complete. Once you sign, the builder can claim the flat was handed over in good condition.

Conclusion

Buying home is one of the biggest financial investments of your life. Taking possession casually can lead to long-term issues, unexpected expenses, and frustrating disputes with builders. A thorough home inspection protects your investment and ensures you receive the flat exactly as promised.

Use this checklist before taking possession of your flat to verify legal documents, check structural quality, test utilities, inspect amenities, and confirm financial clearances. When you follow a systematic process, you prevent future repair costs, negotiate better with the builder, and start your homeownership journey with clarity instead of uncertainty.

BrickFi helps buyers evaluate properties with deep data insights on builder track records, project quality, and micro-market risks. With our 360 degree analysis, buyers enter the possession stage prepared and informed.

FAQs

Q1. Is it mandatory to do a home inspection before possession?

Even though it is not legally mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Builders are responsible for defects identified before possession, making inspection essential.

Q2. What documents are required during flat possession?

OC, CC, sale agreement, bank NOC, parking allotment letter, utility approvals, and RERA filings are the core documents.

Q3. What are common defects found during home inspection?

Seepage, uneven flooring, faulty electrical wiring, loose doors, window gaps, drainage issues, and incomplete painting are the most common.

Q4. Can I refuse possession if the flat has defects?

Yes. You can document issues, request rectification, and decline possession until the builder fixes them.

Q5. Who is responsible for defects after possession?

Minor repairs are usually your responsibility. Major structural defects and builder-quality issues must be fixed by the builder within the warranty period as per RERA.