Reinstatement Works Checklist Before Handover
Short answer: Before reinstatement work starts, confirm your lease clause and landlord scope in writing, survey the site, lock in a contractor and building work-hour rules, then book the final inspection with a rectification buffer.
Pre-work documentation
Start with paperwork, not tools. IDWorkStudio's guide lists the essentials: review your lease's reinstatement clause, get the landlord's specific requirements in writing, check the original handover condition or drawings from when you moved in, and complete a site survey with photos as a before-record.
That photo record matters more than it sounds. If a dispute comes up later about what state the unit was in when you took it over, dated photos are far more useful than memory.
Scope and logistics
Confirm exactly what's in scope: partitions, flooring, ceiling and carpentry; electrical, data, telecom and air-conditioning; fire protection and emergency lighting; and whether a nominated contractor applies. Then sort logistics, building work hours and service lift booking rules, disposal and haulage arrangements, and utility or telecom disconnection timing.
Finally, book your final inspection with a buffer for rectification. Landlords rarely sign off a unit on the first look, so leaving a few spare days for touch-ups avoids a late-handover penalty.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss items during my own inspection?
You risk the landlord flagging them at the official handover inspection instead, which can mean a rushed, more expensive rectification under time pressure. A same-scope self-check before the official inspection, with photos, catches most of this early.
Related guides
- Dilapidation and Handover: How the Process Works
- What to Expect When You Request Reinstatement Quotes
Sources
Checked July 2026.