⚡ Quick Answer
Before you accept possession, inspect every room, make a written snag list of defects, and collect key documents such as the possession letter and details of the occupancy certificate. Under RERA, structural and workmanship defects reported within five years of possession must be fixed by the developer.
- Inspect in daylight and take photos.
- Test every tap, switch, door and window.
- Keep copies of all handover papers.
Possession day is the moment you have been waiting for. It is also the best time to spot and report any defects, before you move in furniture and start interior work.
This checklist explains what to collect, what to inspect room by room and how to report problems, so you can accept your new home with confidence.
Before the Handover Visit
- Read your agreement. Note the specifications promised - flooring, fittings, finishes.
- Clear dues on time. Check the final demand letter and the charges payable at possession.
- Plan the visit in daylight. Natural light makes defects easier to see.
- Take tools. A torch, a phone charger to test sockets, a measuring tape and a notebook.
- Take someone with you. A second pair of eyes, or a professional inspector, helps.
Documents to Collect
- Possession letterThe official letter handing over the home.
- Occupancy certificate (OC)Ask for a copy or details of the OC for your building.
- Registered agreement for saleKeep it safe with all payment receipts.
- Final cost statementShowing all payments made and charges paid.
- Warranty documentsFor fittings and appliances, if provided.
- Keys and access cardsCount them and note them in writing.
For the complete document list, see documents to buy and register a flat in Maharashtra.
Room-by-Room Inspection
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Walls and ceilings | Cracks, damp patches, uneven paint |
| Flooring | Cracked or hollow-sounding tiles, uneven levels, gaps |
| Doors and windows | Smooth opening and closing, locks, seals, glass |
| Electricals | Every switch, socket and light point; the distribution board |
| Bathrooms | Water pressure, drainage, leaks, slope towards the drain |
| Kitchen | Platform, sink, plumbing points, ventilation |
| Balconies and windows | Railings, waterproofing, drainage |
| Carpet area | Measure and compare with the area in your agreement |
Not sure how carpet area is measured? Read carpet area vs built-up vs super built-up.
Make a Snag List
A snag list is a written list of every defect you find. Number each item, describe it clearly, note the room and take a photo. Give a copy to the developer’s team, keep one yourself, and ask for a date by which each item will be fixed.
Don’t Forget the Common Areas
- Lifts, lobbies and staircases
- Fire safety equipment and exits
- Parking space allotted to you
- Water supply and power backup
- Amenities and their opening plan – see family life at L&T The Gateway
What RERA Says About Defects
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, if you report a structural defect or a defect in workmanship, quality or services within five years from possession, the developer must fix it without charge within 30 days. Keep your snag list and all communication as proof. Learn more in MahaRERA explained.
After You Accept Possession
Once the snags are fixed, you can start interior work under the society’s fit-out rules. Planning this early saves months – see planning your home interiors before possession. For L&T The Gateway Sewri, the possession timeline mentioned is September 2028; see the possession timeline explained.
Common Defects People Miss
Some problems are easy to overlook on a busy handover day. Pay extra attention to these:
- Hollow tilesTap tiles gently - a hollow sound can mean poor fixing.
- Slow drainageRun water in every bathroom and the kitchen and watch it drain.
- Damp cornersCheck corners near bathrooms and external walls for damp marks.
- Window sealsLook for gaps that could let rain in during the monsoon.
- Electrical earthingAsk the team to confirm earthing and test the main board.
- Door alignmentDoors that rub or don’t close properly are easy to fix now, harder later.
If possible, plan a second visit after the first round of repairs to check every snag has been fixed. Before booking, our site visit checklist helps you judge construction quality early.
Related Guides
- The flat booking process explained
- Site visit checklist before booking
- L&T The Gateway Sewri FAQs
- Buying a flat in Sewri: step-by-step guide
- Maintenance Charges, Corpus Fund and Society Formation Explained
- Car Parking in Mumbai Apartments: Covered, Stilt, Podium and Mechanical
- Moving Into Your New Home in Mumbai: A Step-by-Step Checklist
- Home Insurance for a New Flat in Mumbai: A Simple Guide
- Agreement for Sale: Key Clauses to Read Before You Sign
- Smart Home Features in Luxury Apartments: What Mumbai Buyers Should Know
- Fire and Lift Safety in Mumbai High-Rises: What Residents Should Know
- Real Estate Glossary for Mumbai Home Buyers: Key Terms Explained
- Occupancy Certificate vs Completion Certificate: What Mumbai Buyers Should Know
- Property Tax in Mumbai: A Simple Guide for Flat Owners
- How to Track the Construction Progress of Your Under-Construction Flat
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check when taking possession of a flat?
Walls, floors, doors, windows, electricals, plumbing, bathrooms, kitchen, balconies and the carpet area, plus common areas and your parking.
What documents do I get at possession?
Usually the possession letter, details of the occupancy certificate, a final cost statement, keys and any warranty papers.
What is a snag list?
A written, numbered list of defects found during inspection, shared with the developer so each item can be fixed.
How long is the defect liability under RERA?
Five years from possession for structural defects and defects in workmanship, quality or services, as per RERA.
Can I refuse possession if there are defects?
Discuss serious defects in writing with the developer. For legal advice on your specific case, consult a lawyer.
Should I hire a professional inspector?
It can help, especially for larger homes, as inspectors know where common defects hide.
Should I inspect during the monsoon?
If possession is near the monsoon, it is a good chance to spot leaks and seepage. Check windows, balconies and external walls.
Who pays for fixing defects found at handover?
Defects found at handover should be fixed by the developer. RERA also covers defects reported within five years of possession.
Conclusion: Inspect Carefully, Then Celebrate
A careful handover inspection protects your investment. Collect your documents, check every room in daylight, put your snag list in writing and follow up until each item is fixed. To learn more about L&T The Gateway Sewri, enquire now or call +91 80503 63647.
L&T The Gateway, Sewri
MahaRERA No. P51900054969
Get the project details, floor plans and price sheet for 3, 4 and 4.5 BHK residences in Sewri, Mumbai. Our team will call you back.
