Arrange the handover
Ask when and how you will receive keys, fobs and garage remotes.
- Check agreed inclusions and possession terms.
- Reserve the elevator or loading area if required.
More on arrange the handover
Keep your representative’s contact details with you.
Check the home when you arrive
Take time to check access and report concerns before unpacking.
- Record problems and contact your representative or lawyer promptly.
- Locate shut-offs and safety equipment.
More on check the home when you arrive
Keep manuals, warranties and access instructions together.
The basics
What possession day means
Possession day is when you get the right to move in. It follows completion, when ownership transfers and money changes hands. The time and handover method are set by your contract, so read that section before you plan anything else.
Ask your realtor exactly how and where the keys will reach you. For strata homes, expect fobs, mailbox keys, parking passes and maybe a storage locker key. Ask what the building uses well ahead.
For a detached home or townhouse, you may receive garage remotes, gate codes and alarm codes. Ask the seller’s side to leave a short note with appliance details and where the main shut-offs are. It is a small favour that saves hours of searching.
Why it matters
Why the first hour matters
Problems found quickly are easier to raise. If an included appliance is missing or something is damaged, record it before the moving boxes cover it. Report concerns to your realtor and your lawyer or notary promptly, so they can advise you while details are fresh.
How it works
Your possession-day routine
Confirm the time the day before
Check the exact possession time with your realtor. Confirm how and where you will receive keys.
Count every access item
Match keys, fobs, remotes and codes against the list you were promised. Test each one at the door.
Walk the home first
Before the movers start, check that included items are present and working. Run taps, flush toilets and switch on major appliances. Photograph anything that looks wrong.
Find shut-offs and alarms
Locate the main water valve, electrical panel, gas shut-off and smoke alarms. Test the alarms and label the panel if it is unclear.
Gather manuals and warranties
Keep appliance manuals and any warranty papers together. For a new home, see the 2-5-10 warranty guide.
Read the strata rules
Strata bylaws and rules apply to owners, tenants and visitors. Note moving, parking and noise rules from day one.
Avoid these
Possession-day pitfalls
Unpacking before inspecting
Boxes and furniture hide damage to floors and walls. Do a quick walk-through with your phone camera before anything comes off the truck.
Missing elevator bookings
If your building requires moves to be booked, a missed booking can strand your movers. Ask the strata manager about the process early.
Not changing locks
You may not know who has copies of the keys or codes. Consider rekeying locks and resetting garage and alarm codes soon after you move in.
Waiting to report problems
Delays weaken your memory and records. Write down concerns and send them the same day.
Example
A handover tally sheet
A sample list for a strata condo. Print one, fill in what you were promised, and tick items off at the door.
| Unit keys | Number promised / number received |
|---|---|
| Building fobs | Number promised / tested at the lobby |
| Mailbox key | Received / opens the right box |
| Parking and storage | Stall and locker numbers match the contract and strata records |
| Included appliances | Present and switched on |
| Concerns noted | Photo taken and sent to your realtor |
A detached home swaps fobs for garage remotes, gate codes and alarm codes. The habit is the same: count, test and record.
Questions to ask
Questions for the handover
Your realtor
- What time is possession, and how will I get the keys?
- Which access items should I receive?
- Who do I call if something included is missing?
The strata manager or council
- What are the moving rules and booking steps?
- How do I register for fobs and parking?
- Where can I read the current bylaws and rules?
Your lawyer or notary
- What should I do if I find a problem on arrival?
- Has everything been registered?
FAQ
Common questions
Can I move in on completion day?
Only if your possession date is the same day. BC’s real estate regulator notes completion and possession are not always on the same date. Check your contract.
What should I check when I get the keys?
Check included items, appliances, doors, windows and visible damage. Test smoke alarms and find shut-offs before unpacking.
How do I get strata bylaws?
The strata corporation must give owners and tenants access to bylaws and rules within one week of a request. It may charge up to 25 cents a page.
Who gives me the keys?
Ask your realtor ahead of time. They will tell you where and when the handover happens and what to bring.
What if the home is not as expected?
Write down and photograph the concern. Tell your realtor and lawyer or notary right away. They can advise you on next steps.
A practical example
Put the essentials in one bag
Keep access instructions, contact details, medication, chargers and basic first-night supplies with you.
- Record the access devices you expect to receive and confirm how any shared-building entry works.
- After arrival, take time to orient yourself and report concerns through your representative.
Unpacking can wait while an important handover question is clarified.
A detail to keep in mind
Do not leave essential paperwork and contact numbers inside an unlabelled moving box.
Official information
Start with these resources, then confirm the details for your property and circumstances.
BC Financial Services Authority: buying a homeBC Financial Services Authority: Completing your purchaseGovernment of BC: Strata bylaws and rules explainedBC Financial Services Authority: Consumer guide to property inspectionsReference review: October 6, 2026