Property handover in Albania is a separate practical milestone from signing a sale or lease. A clear written record helps buyers, tenants and owners document what was delivered, what remains outstanding and who will deal with it. Arrange the inspection before signing a statement that everything has been accepted.
1. Identify the property and the people attending
Record the address, cadastral identifiers where available, unit number, date and time. Refer to the sale or lease and any agreed inventory. Check the identity and authority of each representative. The person giving you the keys may not have authority to agree repairs, release a payment or settle a claim.
2. Inspect the condition together
Walk through each room and accessible shared area. Record visible damage, unfinished work, damp, doors, windows and installed equipment. Distinguish items you inspected from systems that require technical testing. A lawyer can assess contractual duties; an engineer or other qualified specialist may be needed for technical condition.
Attach dated photographs and number them in the record. Describe defects precisely: location, appearance and the inspection performed. Avoid vague phrases such as “minor issues” if there is no agreed list. Keep the original images and give both parties the same attachments.
3. Record keys, access and meter readings
List keys, access cards, remotes and codes handed over. Record meter numbers and readings for electricity, water and other services. Note which accounts need to be transferred, who will contact the providers and which bills remain unresolved. Possession of keys does not itself establish that an account has been transferred or a previous debt settled.
4. Make outstanding work actionable
For every missing item or repair, identify the responsible party, agreed deadline and method of confirming completion. Connect any proposed retention or final payment condition to the contract; do not assume you can withhold money simply because a defect was recorded. Where the parties disagree, record their positions rather than inventing an agreement.
5. Read acceptance language before signing
Check whether the document says the property is accepted without defects, all obligations are complete or claims are waived. If this does not reflect the inspection, seek a suitable written reservation before signing. Its legal effect depends on the contract and circumstances, so wording should be reviewed for the transaction.
A handover record documents delivery. It does not replace the formal transfer and cadastral registration requirements for immovable property. Check these steps separately, along with the sale or lease obligations.
A practical preparation pack
Bring the contract, inventory, floor plan, agreed specifications and previous correspondence. Prepare one record with clearly identified attachments and provide a copy to each signatory. Keep unresolved issues in a follow-up list with evidence of completion.
Alba Legal can review handover wording, contractual payment conditions and proposed reservations. For a transaction-specific assessment, provide the contract and inspection documents before signing the final acceptance.
Official legal reference checked on 13 October 2026: Albanian Civil Code, updated text. The inspection checklist is practical guidance, not a mandatory universal form or a guarantee that all defects will be discovered.
