New home handover checklist & defect claims

• Doors & windows: Open and close every door, window and lock; check hinges, gaps and seals.
• Walls & ceilings: Cracks, patchy paint, water stains or damp, sagging ceiling boards.
• Floors & tiles: Tap each tile — a hollow sound means poor bedding; look for cracked tiles and uneven levels.
• Bathrooms: Run taps and shower for 5 minutes; water must drain to the floor trap, with no leaks under the basin or toilet.
• Electrical: Bring a phone charger to test every socket; check lights, fan points, switches and the distribution board.
• Plumbing & meter: Close every tap and watch the water meter — if it still turns, there is a hidden leak.
• Roof & outside: Roof, gutters, drains, fence, gate and car porch (landed homes).
• Size & specification: Compare floor area, finishes and fittings with the plan and specification in the S&P.

1. Inspect before accepting keys. Bring a checklist, measuring tape, phone charger and torch. Photograph and video every defect with the date.
2. Fill in the defect complaint form. List every defect on the developer's form (or a written letter) and get a stamped acknowledgement. Keep proof of delivery.
3. Give the developer 30 days. Under the statutory S&P (Schedule G/H) the developer must repair defects within 30 days of receiving your written complaint.
4. If not repaired, send a cost estimate. Tell the developer in writing what the repair will cost. If nothing happens within a further 14 days, you may repair it and recover the cost from the stakeholder sum held by the lawyer.
5. Go to the Tribunal if needed. File at the Homebuyer Claims Tribunal within 12 months after the defect liability period ends — up to RM50,000, RM10 fee, no lawyer needed.

Not bought yet? See the checklist on every project page and how long buying takes.