Vacant Possession Checklist: The Two Weeks That Save You Thousands

Vacant possession is the moment the developer hands you the keys. The first two weeks are when you catch defects they must fix free. Skip this and you'll pay to fix their mistakes later.

Bring these to the inspection

• Phone for photos and a charger to test sockets
• Masking tape to mark defects
• A marble or small ball to check floor levels
• A notebook or a defect app to log everything in writing

Tile and floor

• Tap every tile. A hollow sound means it's loose under the surface
• Check edges and corners for chips
• Roll a marble to spot floor that isn't level

Walls and ceilings

• Hairline cracks, especially around windows and doors
• Damp patches at ceiling corners (always check after rain)
• Uneven paint, runs, missed spots

Doors, windows, locks

• Every door and window opens and closes smoothly
• All locks work with both keys provided
• Visible gaps when closed (a draft test in the morning helps)

Bathrooms and wet areas

• Run every tap, flush every toilet, check for leaks under sinks
• Drains slope properly (pour water, watch it move)
• Silicone seals are clean and continuous

Electrical

• Test every socket with your charger
• Flip every switch and confirm the right light responds
• Check the DB board labels match the rooms

How to log and submit

Photograph every defect with a location note. Compile the list, send it formally to the developer within the defect liability period (commonly 24 months). Keep a copy. Written, dated records are what get things actually fixed.