A vacant possession checklist helps you inspect your new JB unit methodically on key collection day: doors and windows, walls and ceilings, floors and tiles, wet areas, electrical points, plumbing, air-conditioning provisions and fittings against the SPA. Record every item with a photo and a location, submit the list in writing, and the developer rectifies it under the 24-month defect liability period that starts from vacant possession. Plan two to three hours for a typical 2- or 3-bedroom condo.
Getting the keys to a new home is one of the best days of any purchase. A good vacant possession checklist turns that day into a calm, organised inspection, so that small finishing items are captured early and fixed as part of the normal handover process. New buildings almost always have a few touch-up items; this is normal in any high-rise project and exactly what the defect liability period is designed for. This guide gives you a room-by-room checklist, a simple tool kit, and a recording method that works well for buyers at projects such as Causewayz Square, The Asteriaz and The Celestz when they are completed.
What is vacant possession (VP)?
Vacant possession is the moment the developer hands the completed unit to you, empty and ready for use, with water and electricity ready for connection. It is when you collect your keys and your defect liability period begins.
Under the standard Schedule H Sale and Purchase Agreement for strata property, vacant possession is due within 36 months of the SPA date. Before the developer can issue a notice of vacant possession, several conditions are normally in place:
- The Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) has been issued for the building.
- Water and electricity are ready for connection.
- The progress payments due up to that stage have been paid.
- For strata projects, the strata title has been issued or the relevant approval obtained.
When you receive the VP notice, you will also receive a VP billing. Under Schedule H, the vacant possession stage is 17.5% of the price, and a further 5% is collected but held by the developer’s solicitor as stakeholder during the defect period. Our guide on reading your SPA explains the full payment table.
Before key collection: what to prepare
Good preparation makes inspection day smooth. Most of it can be done in the week after the VP notice arrives.
Documents and payments
- The VP notice and VP statement, plus proof of payment of the VP billing.
- Identity documents for all purchasers, or an authorisation letter if someone collects on your behalf.
- Payment for the items usually listed in the VP statement: service charge and sinking fund in advance (commonly a few months), utility deposits, and prorated quit rent and assessment.
- A copy of your SPA, especially the specification list of fittings and finishes, so you can compare what was promised with what is installed.
A simple inspection tool kit
| Item | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Masking tape (blue or bright colour) | Marks each item on the spot so the contractor can find it |
| Phone with camera and torch | Photos of every item and checking corners under low light |
| Small spirit level | Checks floor and counter levels and whether doors hang straight |
| Coin or small rubber mallet | Lightly tapping floor and wall tiles to listen for hollow sounds |
| Phone charger or socket tester | Tests that power points work |
| Bucket or bottle of water | Checks floor traps and drainage gradient in wet areas |
| Floor plan printout | Labels each item by room for your written list |
| Notebook or checklist app | Records item number, location and description |
Visit in daylight if you can. Natural light makes paint patches, surface marks and tile alignment much easier to see.
Vacant possession checklist: room by room
Work through the unit in a fixed order, from the entrance clockwise, so nothing is missed. Below is a practical checklist suitable for JB condos and serviced apartments.
Main door and entrance
- Door opens, closes and locks smoothly; the gap around the frame is even.
- Digital lock or keys work for every key set provided; count the keys and access cards.
- No scratches or dents on the door leaf, frame or ironmongery.
- Door stopper and closer (if fitted) work properly.
Living and dining areas
- Walls: even paint, no cracks, stains or uneven patches; corners are straight.
- Ceiling: no water marks, cracks or sagging boards; cornices and edges neat.
- Floor: tiles or vinyl level, no chips, cracks or lippage; grout lines consistent; tap tiles for hollow sounds.
- Skirting fixed firmly with no gaps.
- Every switch, power point, TV point and data point works and the cover plates are straight.
Windows, sliding doors and balcony
- Windows and sliding doors open, close and lock easily; rollers run smoothly.
- Glass is free from scratches or cracks; rubber seals and sealant are complete.
- Balcony floor slopes towards the drain; pour some water to confirm it drains away.
- Railings are firm and finishes undamaged.
Kitchen
- Cabinets (where provided) are aligned; doors and drawers open smoothly and close fully.
- Countertop is level, with no chips; sealant along the backsplash is neat.
- Sink tap runs well; no leaks under the sink after running water for a minute.
- Hob and hood points, or any fitted appliances listed in the SPA, are present.
Bedrooms
- Same wall, ceiling, floor and electrical checks as the living area.
- Bedroom doors close without rubbing; locks and handles work.
- Wardrobes, if part of the specification, are complete and aligned.
- Air-conditioning provisions such as power points and piping sleeves are in the expected positions.
Bathrooms and wet areas
- Taps, shower and water heater point work; water pressure is reasonable.
- Flush the toilet several times; it refills and stops correctly with no leaks at the base.
- Floor slopes to the floor trap; pour water and check it drains without pooling.
- Wall and floor tiles are aligned with complete grout and sealant around basins and the shower area.
- Mirrors, glass panels and accessories are firmly fixed.
- Exhaust fan (if provided) runs.
Electrical and DB box
- Distribution board is labelled; switch each breaker to confirm what it controls.
- Test the residual current device (RCD) button once power is connected.
- All light points work (bring a bulb if none are fitted).
Car park and storage
- Your allocated bay number(s) match the SPA accessory parcel details.
- Access cards for car park and lifts work.
Checklist tips by unit type: studio, dual-key and 3-bedroom
Different layouts have different things worth a second look. Adjust your checklist to the unit you bought.
Studios and 1-bedroom units
Compact units such as the Causewayz Square studio or the 560 sq ft 1+1 at The Asteriaz have fewer rooms, so inspection is quicker. Spend the extra time on the kitchenette and bathroom, which share a small footprint, and on window and sliding door seals, which matter for comfort in a smaller space. If you plan to rent the unit on a short or long-term basis, check that the power points are where you intend to place the bed, TV and work desk.
Dual-key and triple-key units
A dual-key unit at Causewayz Square or the triple-key Type B at The Celestz is effectively two or three living spaces behind one main door. Inspect each section as if it were its own unit: its own entrance door and lock, its own bathroom, its own electrical points and, where applicable, its own sub-board or metering arrangement. Confirm how many key sets and access cards are provided for each section, since this affects how easily you can rent them separately. Our dual-key guide explains how these layouts are typically used.
3-bedroom family units
Larger units have more doors, wardrobes and wet areas, so allow the full three hours. Check that both car park bays allocated in the SPA are correct, and look carefully at the service balcony or yard area, where washing machine points and drainage need to work properly.
How to record and submit your list
A clear, written list with photos is the most effective way to get items rectified quickly. Here is a method that works well:
- Number each item and mark it on site with a small piece of tape carrying the same number.
- Photograph each item twice: a close-up and a wider shot showing its location in the room.
- Describe it simply: room, position and issue (for example, “Bedroom 2, window left side, sealant gap”).
- Submit in writing using the developer’s defect form or portal, and keep a copy with the date of submission.
- Follow up on the agreed appointment for rectification and re-check each item after repair.
Under the standard SPA process, the developer is expected to repair reported defects within 30 days of receiving your written notice. Many developers in Malaysia now run online defect portals that let you upload photos and track progress, which makes the process much easier, especially for owners living in Singapore.
What is normal at handover, and what to prioritise
It is normal for a new unit to have a short list of finishing items. Focusing on what matters most helps you and the developer’s team work efficiently.
| Category | Typical examples | Suggested priority |
|---|---|---|
| Functional | Water leaks, faulty power points, doors or windows that do not lock | High: report on day one |
| Wet area drainage | Water pooling on bathroom or balcony floors | High: affects daily use |
| Fixtures vs SPA | Missing or different items compared with the specification list | High: check against the SPA |
| Finishing | Paint touch-ups, minor scratches, grout gaps, sealant lines | Medium: include in the same list |
| Hairline marks | Very fine surface lines in plaster or paint | Note and monitor during the DLP |
Hairline lines in plaster can appear as a new building settles. Note them, take a dated photo, and include them in a later report if they change. The 24-month defect liability period gives plenty of time for items that only show up after you have lived in the unit.
Do not forget the common areas and facilities
Besides your own unit, spend half an hour walking the common areas during handover. Shared facilities are part of what you bought and shape both your daily life and the unit’s rental appeal.
- Lobby and lifts: your access card works for your floor, lifts run smoothly and your letterbox is allocated.
- Car park: bay markings and numbers are clear and the walkway to the lift lobby is well lit.
- Podium facilities: ask when the pool, gym, multipurpose hall and playground open and how bookings work. Causewayz Square, for example, plans 29 podium facilities plus sky facilities, so ask the management office about the opening schedule.
- Refuse and recycling: find the refuse room and its rules.
- Visitors and parcels: confirm how visitor registration and parcel collection work, which matters for tenants.
Common-area items do not go on your unit defect list; raise them with the management office or the developer’s customer service team. In a newly completed building the management team is usually still fine-tuning arrangements, and clear, friendly communication tends to get the quickest results.
Remote handover and professional inspectors
Handing over remotely if you live in Singapore
Many JB buyers work in Singapore during the week. Handover can be done through an authorised representative if you plan ahead:
- Prepare an authorisation letter for a trusted family member, friend or inspection firm, with a copy of your ID. Ask the management office for any preferred format.
- Arrange a video walkthrough so you can follow the checklist live and ask to see specific spots.
- Agree a recording format: number, room, position, issue and photo, so you can submit the list yourself.
- Revisit on a weekend to check the first round of repairs. The RTS Link passenger service is targeted for February 2027, which should make these trips simpler.
Should you hire a professional inspector?
A professional defect inspection service is optional but useful for buyers who live abroad or who want a detailed report. These firms bring tools such as moisture meters and thermal cameras, then produce a numbered report with photos that you can submit directly.
It is a good fit if you are a Singapore-based owner who cannot spend a full day in JB, if you plan to rent out the unit quickly, or if you simply prefer an expert record. If you inspect yourself, the checklist above covers the main points. Either way, a clean handover helps you move straight into furnishing and, for investors, into finding a tenant. Our JB condo rental price guide helps you plan the next step.
After key collection: the first weeks
Once your keys are in hand, a few practical steps protect the unit and get it ready for use:
- Apply for your own electricity and water accounts if they are not already transferred.
- Register with the management office for access cards, parking stickers and renovation rules.
- Submit your inspection list before starting any renovation, so defects and renovation work are not mixed up.
- Read the house rules on renovation hours, deposits and contractor registration.
- Keep all defect correspondence in one folder for the full 24 months.
For what happens during the rest of the warranty period, see our guide to the defect liability period in Malaysia. If you would like a printable version of this checklist or help planning furnishing for rental, WhatsApp us.
Sources
- MHub: VP and handover billing (CCC, VP conditions, stakeholder sums, VP statement items)
- Mah Weng Kwai & Associates: Vacant possession timelines under Schedule G and H
- EdgeProp: Comprehensive overview of the defect liability period
- StarProperty: Dealing with defects (30-day repair process)
- IJM Land: Schedule H site stages illustration
This guide is general information, not financial advice.