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What is a property handover protocol?
A property handover protocol (or handover-and-acceptance report) is a document that records the condition of a flat, house or other property at the moment it changes hands. It captures the parties, meter readings, keys, the state of each room and any visible defects, the inventory and the deposit — so both sides have clear, dated evidence.
A handover protocol is not required by law, but it is the key proof of the property's condition at handover and prevents disputes over damage or deposits later. Use this free template when moving in or out of a rental, or when handing over a property after a sale — fill in the form, preview the A4 document and download it as a PDF, ready to print and sign.
Frequently asked questions
Is a handover protocol legally required?
No. A handover protocol is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended: it is the main evidence of the property's condition on the handover date and protects both the handing-over and receiving party if a dispute arises.
Is this handover protocol generator really free?
Yes — it is completely free and needs no sign-up or registration. You fill in the form in your browser, nothing is sent anywhere, and you download the finished PDF yourself.
How do I create the PDF?
Fill in the date, the parties, the property details, meter readings, keys, rooms and inventory. Check the live A4 preview, then press “Download PDF” — it opens the print dialog where you choose “Save as PDF”.
What should a handover protocol contain?
The handover date and place, both parties' details, the property address, meter readings with serial numbers, the number of keys, the condition of each room and any defects, the inventory of furnishings and the deposit and its return terms.
Why are meter readings and serial numbers important?
Recording electricity, gas, water and heat readings together with the meter serial numbers fixes consumption at the handover date, so the new occupant is never billed for the previous one's usage.
Can I use it for both moving in and moving out?
Yes. The same template works for handing a flat or house over and for taking it back — for rentals as well as for handover after a sale.