Glossary
Possession Letter
A possession letter is the builder’s written offer or confirmation that you can take over your finished flat, with the date and the terms of handover.
In plain words
When your flat is ready, the builder sends an offer of possession. When you take over the keys, you sign a possession or handover letter that records the date. These letters sound routine, but they start clocks: maintenance charges, your defect period, and often your full EMI.
Why it matters to you
RERA links possession to a few rights. Under Section 19(10), you are expected to take possession within two months of the occupancy certificate. Under Section 14(3), the builder must fix structural defects and poor workmanship you report within five years from the date of handing over possession. Under Section 18, if the builder misses the date in your agreement, you may claim interest for the delay, or withdraw and seek a refund with interest.
So the date on the letter is not a detail. It is the start of your defect period and the end of any delay period. Write it in your diary, and keep a signed copy of the letter with your sale deed.
Before you sign
- See the occupancy certificate for your block.
- Walk the flat with a snag list and attach it to the letter.
- Read the letter for words like “accepted in good condition” or “no further claims”. Ask for these to be changed if snags are open.
- Check the final statement of dues: corpus, maintenance, connection charges.
- Collect keys, manuals, warranty cards and copies of approvals.
Read more on the blog
Related terms
See all glossary terms. This page explains a term; it is not legal or tax advice, and rupee figures are illustrative.
FAQ
Possession Letter: common questions
Can I refuse possession if there are defects?
You can record the defects in writing and ask for them to be fixed. Read your agreement for how this works, and avoid signing away claims.
When does maintenance start?
Usually from the date of the offer of possession or handover. Your agreement will say which.
Does signing the letter end my defect claims?
No. RERA Section 14(3) gives five years from possession to report structural defects and poor workmanship. Do not sign wording that says otherwise.
Is possession the same as ownership?
No. Possession is physical handover. Ownership passes with the registered sale deed.
Want someone to walk you through it?
Ask the Reeva team about this, or anything else on your first-home paperwork. We will call back, with no pressure to buy.