Handover Act: What to Check Before Signing

Acceptance certificate: why it matters 📝

An acceptance certificate records the condition of a property at the moment it transfers from seller or developer to the new owner or tenant. Signing it without a careful inspection can leave you responsible for pre-existing defects. This guide gives a clear checklist and practical steps to minimize risks.

Quick checklist before signing ✅

• Walkthrough of the apartment or house
• Check utilities: water, sewage, heating, electricity
• Windows, doors, locks, hardware
• Floors, walls, ceilings for stains or cracks
• Operation of appliances and built-in furniture
• Review documents and attachments in the certificate
• Record defects with photos and in writing
• Handover of keys, meters, and warranty documents

How to inspect: step-by-step 🔍

1. Bring a checklist and a phone with a camera. Natural light helps for photos.
2. Start with the building entrance and common areas: stairwell, elevator, cleanliness and access.
3. Move room by room: look at floors, skirting boards, walls and ceilings. Note unevenness, discoloration, or odors.
4. Open all windows and doors to check seals and smooth operation.
5. Test lighting, sockets and switches. Check the fuse box for labelling and access.
6. Inspect plumbing: tap operation, drainage, and look under sinks for leaks.
7. Check ventilation and kitchen extractors for function.
8. Turn on included appliances, note serial numbers and condition.

Documents and wording to watch for 📄

• Verify that names and address are correct.
• The certificate should describe conditions of rooms and systems or reference a detailed attachment.
• Look for clear timelines for fixing defects and warranty terms.
• Check attachments: key list, meter readings, photos, manuals and warranty cards.

How to document defects — sample notes ✍️

• Be specific: instead of writing defective, write for example: "leak under the sink in the bathroom at the rear elbow joint, visible corrosion".
• For electrical issues: "socket in living room not working, tested with a lamp".
• Always take dated photos and, if possible, short videos with spoken comments.

Common problems and practical responses 🛠️

• Moisture stains or mold — do not sign the certificate until the issue is addressed or request a written repair commitment.
• Electrical faults — have the repair timeline and responsible party recorded in the certificate.
• Missing promised items — request delivery or written compensation.

When to hire a specialist

If you see signs of serious problems (hidden leaks, questionable wiring, structural damage), consider hiring an inspector or an engineer. A professional report gives clear descriptions and recommended remedial steps that can be attached to the certificate.

Useful tips and smart moves 📸🔑

• Use photos and short video notes. Visual evidence in the certificate makes later claims easier to prove.
• Bring a witness: a friend, your agent, or a BuyHome representative.
• Avoid signing with phrases like without complaints. Such wording can limit your rights to claim later.
• Create and attach a separate list of defects if needed as an appendix to the certificate.

Final notes and help from BuyHome 🤝

The acceptance certificate is a critical stage of the transaction. Approach it calmly, methodically, and with a checklist. If you want assistance, BuyHome can prepare the inspection checklist, join the handover, and help document any issues. Contact us and we will help you choose the right property and handle the handover with confidence.

Explore listings and search tools at https://buyhome.ge/en/search