ChecklistNew flat possession and handover
Flat possession checklist pdf in Delhi
A flat possession checklist for Delhi covering documents, physical inspection and PDI, plus what to check before signing and an OC and snag-list FAQ.
17 checks · 6 stages
Reviewed by team
Updated 6 min read
Quick answer
Quick answerFlat possession means the builder hands over keys and papers once the flat is ready. A Delhi checklist has three stages. First, check documents such as the possession letter, payment receipts and meter readings. Then inspect walls, tiles, doors and windows. Finally, do a PDI, a final check of plumbing, switches and sockets before you sign.
Checklist
New flat possession and snag checklist
17 checks · 6 stages
Documents before you take the keys
How to check: Flat number, tower and dates match your agreement
How to check: The builder's account statement shows no dues
How to check: The start date of maintenance is the handover date, not earlier
How to check: Readings are written on the handover form
Photograph: Each meter showing its number and reading
Walls, ceiling and paint
How to check: Shine a torch along the wall at a low angle
Photograph: Every crack with a coin next to it for scale
How to check: Look again after the bathrooms have been used
Photograph: Each patch and the wall on the other side
How to check: Hold a straight edge or spirit level against the wall
Floor tiles
How to check: Tap each tile with a coin or key; a hollow sound means poor bonding
Photograph: Mark hollow tiles with tape, then photograph the room
How to check: Walk the room barefoot and look along the joints
Photograph: Each damaged tile
How to check: Pour a bucket of water; it should run to the drain without pooling
Photograph: Any pooled water
Doors and windows
How to check: Open, close and lock each door twice
How to check: Close each window and look for light or a draught at the edges
Photograph: Cracked glass or damaged seals
Plumbing and bathrooms
How to check: Run every tap for two minutes, then look underneath with a torch
Photograph: Any wet patch or drip
How to check: Open two taps at once in each bathroom
How to check: Let a full basin drain and time it
Switches and sockets
How to check: Carry a phone charger to test each socket; report faults to the builder and do not open the board yourself
Photograph: Faulty points with a label
How to check: Note where the chimney, hob, microwave and wardrobe lights will go before interiors start
Photograph: Each wall where a new point is needed
When should you use this checklist and in what order?
Use the checklist in three stages, in that order. First check the documents. The possession letter, payment receipts, maintenance agreement and today's meter readings should match your agreement. Next walk the flat room by room. Check walls, ceiling, tiles, doors and windows for defects. Finish with PDI, a pre-delivery inspection of plumbing, water pressure and every switch and socket, before you sign.
Carry a torch, a spirit level, a coin and a bucket of water during the walkthrough. The torch shows hairline cracks and damp patches. The spirit level catches wavy walls. Tap tiles with the coin to find hollow spots. Pour the bucket of water on bathroom and balcony floors to check they slope to the drain. For the document list alone, see the documents checklist guide.
- Stage 1: documents — possession letter, payment receipts, maintenance agreement, meter readings
- Stage 2: physical inspection — walls, ceiling, floor tiles, doors and windows
- Stage 3: PDI — plumbing, water pressure, drains, switches and sockets
What if you find a crack, leak or faulty switch during possession?
Record every fault you find against the matching stage on the checklist. Do not try to fix it yourself. Note hairline cracks under walls and ceiling, hollow or chipped tiles under floor tiles, and dripping taps or slow drains under plumbing and bathrooms. For a faulty switch or socket, do not open the electrical board. Report it to the builder or a licensed electrician instead.
This running record becomes your snag list once the walkthrough ends. The snag-list guide explains how to compile these notes into a formal list and submit it to the builder before you sign off.
- Walls and ceiling: cracks, damp patches, uneven plaster
- Floor tiles: hollow sound, chips, poor slope to drain
- Plumbing: leaks under sinks, low pressure, slow drains
- Switches and sockets: no power, report rather than repair
Who should you call if the builder disputes a snag or the Occupancy Certificate status?
If the builder will not confirm Occupancy Certificate status in writing, treat it as a legal risk. Do not take possession until you have that confirmation. A possession certificate or letter from the builder is not the same as the Occupancy Certificate. Check both separately before signing.
When the builder disputes a snag, outstanding dues or the possession certificate terms, consult a lawyer rather than relying on verbal assurances. See the possession meaning answer for what the possession date covers, and visit the possession and handover hub for more guides.
Frequently asked questions
What should I include in my checklist when buying a flat?
A flat possession checklist has three parts: documents, physical inspection and PDI. Documents mean the possession letter, payment receipts, maintenance agreement and meter readings. Physical inspection covers walls, tiles, doors, windows and plumbing. PDI is a final walkthrough to confirm fittings and services work before you sign the handover form.
What are the first things to check in a new house?
Start with the documents. Check the possession letter, payment receipts and Occupancy Certificate status, since these protect you legally. Then walk the flat, checking walls for cracks, tiles for hollow sounds, and doors and windows for smooth closing. Test every switch and socket with a phone charger, and run taps to check pressure and leaks.
What do I need for a new apartment checklist?
You need a checklist covering documents, physical inspection and PDI. Bring a torch, a spirit level, a coin to tap tiles, and a phone charger to test sockets. Note the meter readings on the handover form and keep copies of every payment receipt. Download the full checklist before your walkthrough so you do not miss a stage.
What documents should the builder hand over at possession?
The builder should give you several papers at possession. These include the possession letter, the final demand letter and receipts for every instalment. Also check the society maintenance agreement with its first bill, and the electricity and water meter numbers with current readings. Check that the flat number, tower and dates match your agreement before you sign.
Can you take possession of a flat without an Occupancy Certificate?
Taking possession without an Occupancy Certificate carries legal risk, since it means the building has not been formally cleared for use. Confirm OC status directly with the builder before accepting keys. If there is a dispute or unclear answer, get advice from a lawyer before you sign the possession papers.
What is a snag list and what should it cover during handover?
A snag list is the record of every defect you find during possession, such as cracks, leaks, faulty switches or hollow tiles. It should note the location, the problem and who is responsible for fixing it. For a full walkthrough guide on building one, see InteriorIQ's dedicated snag-list guide.
Sources and methodology
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Planned next · not drafted yet
- ChecklistHow do I prepare a snag list for my flat at handover/guides/snag-list-possession-checklist
- ChecklistWhat documents should I check and obtain from the builder before takin/guides/flat-possession-documents-checklist
- ChecklistWhat should I include in a flat handover snag list/guides/flat-handover-snag-list-pdf
- AnswerWhat does flat possession mean and what should I know about it/q/flat-possession-meaning-date
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