by Kingdom By MAG 
Why You Need a Property Handover Checklist
Handover day is the day you finally get the keys to your new home in Dubai. It is exciting, but it is also the best time to find problems. A property handover checklist helps you find faults before you move in, when it is easier to get the developer to fix them.
This property handover checklist takes you room by room: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and balcony. Each check takes only a few minutes. Save this page and bring it with you on handover day.
What to bring on handover day
Bring these things with your property handover checklist to make your checks faster and easier:
- Your phone: to take photos and videos of any problem.
- A phone charger: to test the power sockets.
- A small torch: to look under the sink and inside cabinets.
- A bottle of water: to test the floor drains.
- This checklist: so you do not miss anything.
- A notebook or notes app: to write down each problem and where it is.
1. Kitchen checklist
Start your property handover checklist in the kitchen. It has water, power and moving parts, so check it carefully.
- Taps and pipes: Run the hot and cold water for one minute. Open the cabinet under the sink and look for leaks or wet spots.
- Sockets: Plug in a phone charger to test each socket. Make sure every one works.
- Cabinets and drawers: Open and close each one. Check that the hinges are tight and the doors close straight.
- Oven and hob: Turn them on. Make sure they heat up. Check the cooker hood fan and light too.
2. Bathroom checklist
Water problems in a bathroom can damage walls and floors, so test everything with water.
- Water pressure: Run the shower and the taps. Check that the hot water comes quickly and the pressure is strong.
- Drain: Water should go down fast, with no pools on the floor.
- Toilet: Flush it a few times. Look for leaks around the base and behind it.
- Tiles: Tap them lightly. A hollow sound can mean a loose tile. Also look for cracks and missing grout.
3. Bedroom checklist
In Dubai, the AC is one of the most important things to check, especially in summer.
- AC: Turn it on. It should cool the room fast, with no noise or water drips.
- AC control and switches: Test each light switch and the AC control on the wall.
- Window: Open, close and lock it. Look for gaps around the frame.
- Wardrobe and doors: They should open and close smoothly. Check the handles and locks.
4. Balcony checklist
The last room on your property handover checklist is the balcony. Here, the checks are about safety and keeping water and dust out.
- Railing: Push it gently. It should feel firm and not move.
- Floor drain: Pour some water on the floor. It should flow to the drain and not stay in one place.
- Sliding door: Slide it and lock it. Check that the rubber seals are not broken or missing.
Found a problem? Here is what to do
Do not worry if your property handover checklist shows a fault. This is normal in new homes, and the developer must fix it.
- Take a photo or video of the problem.
- Write it down: the room, the place and what is wrong.
- Send it to the developer in writing, by email or on their handover form. Do not only tell them by phone.
- Ask for a date to fix it, and keep a copy of all messages.
- Check again after they fix it, before you close the issue.
What Dubai law says: Under Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019 (Article 40), the developer must repair or replace faulty fixtures for 1 year from handover. This includes electrical and mechanical works (like the AC) and plumbing. For the main structure of the building, the developer is responsible for 10 years from the completion certificate. Sources: Afridi & Angell, Mondaq.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a property handover checklist? It helps you check every room in order, so you do not miss a problem. It also gives you a clear list to send to the developer.
What is a snagging inspection? A snagging inspection is a check of your new home before you move in. You look for faults, called “snags”, like leaks, broken sockets or loose tiles, and ask the developer to fix them.
How long does a handover check take? For a normal apartment, about 1 to 2 hours. A villa or a big apartment can take longer.
Can I still get the keys if I find problems? Yes, in most cases. Write all the problems on the handover form and keep a copy. The developer then fixes them.
Who pays to fix the problems? For faults covered by the law, the developer pays. Electrical, mechanical (like the AC) and plumbing faults are covered for 1 year from handover.
Can I hire a company to do the check for me? Yes. Many snagging companies in Dubai can do a full check with special tools. This is a good idea if you cannot be there yourself.
Need help with your handover?
At Kingdom by MAG, we help our clients from the first viewing until they get their keys. If you have a question about your handover, or you want to find your next home in Dubai, our team is ready to help.
Save this property handover checklist for your big day. Looking for your next home? See our projects: MBL Signature in JLT, Kingdom Gate in Al Furjan and Royal Yacht Club Residence. You can also see all our property listings.
WhatsApp us: +971 58 555 9090 Email: info@kingdombymag.ae Website: kingdombymag.ae
