8 Things to Check Before Moving Into an Apartment
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Moving into a new apartment is exciting. But a lot of people skip the basics, and end up dealing with leaks, legal issues, and missing amenities months after moving in.
Ten minutes of checking the right things before you move in can save months of headaches. Here is exactly what to look for.
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1. Structural Condition — Walls, Floors, Ceiling
Start with what you can see with your own eyes.
Check for:
- Cracks in walls or ceiling- hairline cracks are usually cosmetic, wide or diagonal cracks near corners can indicate structural issues
- Damp patches or water stains- signs of seepage from the roof, pipes, or neighbouring flat
- Uneven flooring- press your foot across different sections of the floor, especially near bathrooms and kitchens
- Peeling paint or plaster- often a sign of moisture trapped inside the wall
Do not accept possession if you see active water seepage. It is significantly harder to get the developer or landlord to fix it once you are already inside.
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2. Plumbing- Water Pressure, Drainage, and Leaks
Turn on every tap. Flush every toilet. Run every shower.
Check for:
- Water pressure: low pressure in upper floors is a common complaint
- Hot water supply: test the geyser connection in every bathroom
- Drainage: fill the basin and kitchen sink and check how fast they drain
- Pipe joints under the sink: look for moisture or stains that suggest past leaks
- Toilet flush mechanism: check both functions if dual-flush is fitted
If water pressure is low at possession, get a written commitment from the developer or building management before moving in. It rarely improves on its own.
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3. Electrical Points and Fittings
This one takes five minutes and saves weeks of electrician visits later.
Check for:
- Every switch: turn on and off every light switch in every room
- Every socket: use a phone charger to test each point
- Geyser and AC points: confirm they are wired and labelled correctly
- MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) panel- check that all circuits are labelled and MCBs trip and reset correctly
- Earthing: essential for safety; ask the developer for the earthing test certificate
Take photos of every electrical panel and meter at the time of possession. This is your baseline if any dispute arises later.
4. Doors, Windows, and Locks
Small issues here become daily irritants fast.
Check for:
- Every door opens, closes, and latches smoothly, no sticking, no gaps at the frame
- Window handles and locking mechanisms, test each one
- Mosquito mesh screens, present and undamaged
- Main door lock quality, deadbolt, not just a spring latch
- Balcony door and grills, check hinges and handles
- Waterproofing around window frames, damp corners suggest poor sealing
If the main door lock feels flimsy, request a replacement before moving in. Once you are inside, it becomes your problem to fix.
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5. Kitchen and Bathroom Fittings
These are the two areas that see the most daily use, and the most complaints.
Kitchen:
- Platform height and surface condition, no cracks in tiles or countertop
- Chimney and exhaust fan, switch on and check suction
- Sink drainage and tap fittings
Bathrooms:
- Tiles, no hollow sound when tapped (hollow tiles come loose)
- Shower and tap fittings, check for drips
- Exhaust fan, functioning
- Mirror, towel rail, soap dish, if included in specifications, confirm they are fitted
- Waterproofing around bathtub or shower area, look for gaps in grouting
6. OC, CC, and Legal Documents
This is the most important check, and the most commonly skipped.
Occupancy Certificate (OC): Confirms the building is legally fit for occupation. Without an OC, the building has not been approved by the local authority. Banks may refuse home loans for re-sale, utility connections can be complicated, and you are technically occupying an unapproved building.
Completion Certificate (CC): Confirms construction is as per the approved building plan.
Always ask for both before taking possession. If the developer says "OC is pending," ask for a timeline in writing — and consider whether you want to move in at all before it arrives.
Other documents to collect at possession:
- Allotment letter
- Possession letter
- NOC from the society or developer
- Property tax receipt
7. Common Areas and Amenities
What was promised in the brochure and what exists on the ground are not always the same thing.
Check:
- Lift, operational, with valid AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract)
- Generator backup, which areas it covers (lobby, lifts, corridors)
- Parking space, inspect your allocated slot and confirm its number in writing
- Swimming pool, gym, clubhouse, operational or confirmed timeline if under finishing
- Security systems, intercom, CCTV, guard deployment
- Water tank and motor, when was it last cleaned, what is the maintenance schedule
If promised amenities are not ready, get a written timeline from the developer. RERA gives you the right to demand what was promised in the Agreement to Sell.
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8. Meter Readings and Society Charges
Before you move a single piece of furniture, record every meter.
Record:
- Electricity meter reading — photograph with timestamp
- Water meter reading (if applicable)
- Gas meter reading (if piped gas)
These baseline readings protect you from being billed for consumption before your possession date.
Also confirm:
- Monthly maintenance charges, exact amount and what is included
- One-time deposit to the society, how much and refundable or not
- Any outstanding dues on the flat, confirm in writing that the seller or developer has cleared all dues before transfer
Get a zero-dues certificate from the society before accepting possession. Any unpaid dues become your responsibility once the flat is transferred to your name.
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Quick Checklist Before You Move In
- Structural- no cracks, seepage, or damp patches
- Plumbing- pressure, drainage, and pipe joints checked
- Electrical- every switch, socket, and panel tested
- Doors and windows- smooth operation, good locks
- Kitchen and bathrooms- tiles, fittings, exhaust fans
- OC and CC- both collected before possession
- Amenities- operational or timeline confirmed in writing
- Meter readings- photographed with timestamp
Conclusion
Possession day feels like the finish line. It is actually the starting line.
What you catch and document on possession day is what gets fixed at no cost. What you miss becomes your problem to chase, and often your expense to repair.
Take the checklist. Take photos of everything. And do not hand over the possession cheque until the major issues are resolved or committed to in writing.
