[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, you can file a claim, but you need to clarify what exactly is "not in line with the standards": - If the actual apartment differs from the model unit (e.g., the model unit is retained after delivery for inspection and is considered a specific demonstration of the decoration standards), and the delivered apartment clearly deviates from it, this constitutes a breach of contract. You can demand repairs, compensation for price differences, or even a refund; - If the decoration standards specified in the contract are not met (e.g., reduced brand quality, materials, or grades) – directly claim breach of contract according to the contract; - If there are discrepancies only with the sales promotion materials but not specified in the contract – the burden of proof is high; - The core evidence includes video recordings of the model unit (VR, photos, videos), contract clauses and supplementary agreements regarding decoration standards, as well as inspection reports at the time of delivery; - The common claim amount typically includes the price difference of the decoration and the losses due to delays. In severe cases of non-compliance with delivery standards, you can claim a refund.

1. Problem background and typical scenarios

The lighting in the model apartment is stunning, and the materials are of the highest quality. However, when the actual house is delivered, the walls are substandard, the flooring is replaced with inferior products, and the kitchen and bathroom facilities are downgraded—it's a case of "what you see is not what you get". The owners only have a few videos of the model apartment and a vaguely worded supplementary decoration agreement. Where should they start to claim compensation?

II. Key points of dispute

First, the evidentiary effect of the model room and the obligation to preserve it. Second, the contractual benchmark for decoration standards. Third, the procedures for inspecting and appraising the house. Fourth, the selection of a claim settlement plan.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

The first layer concerns the evidentiary value of model units: The Measures for the Administration of Commercial Housing Sales require developers to specify whether the actual delivered housing quality, equipment, and decoration are consistent with the model units. If no such specification is provided, the actual delivery shall be deemed to conform to the agreed standards. If the model units are dismantled before delivery, the act of dismantling itself constitutes important evidence—the party who destroys evidence shall bear the burden of adverse presumption. Homeowners' actions include: taking panoramic photos of the model units (including brand labels and material close-ups) at the time of signing the contract; retaining sandbox models and promotional materials; and requiring that the contract appendix state "the delivery standards are consistent with the model units"—this clause is invaluable. The second layer concerns the identification of contract anchors: Decoration standards are hidden in various places—the appendix to the sales contract (decoration equipment standards), supplementary decoration agreements, sales brochures, and sandbox models; vague terms such as "high-end floor tiles" and "well-known brands" shall be interpreted according to industry standards and comparable projects; breaches of contract include brand downgrading (replacing international brands with generic ones) and grade downgrading (replacing solid wood with composite materials, marble with tiles). For unspecified brands, appraisal and market inquiries shall determine the compensation. The third layer concerns inspection and appraisal: Refuse to "sign first, inspect later" upon receipt of the house, and commission a professional inspection agency to issue a report detailing deviations from the model units and contract standards (materials, brands, craftsmanship, area). For major disputes, apply for judicial appraisal—decoration project cost appraisal and material appraisal are separate processes. Note the double-edged nature of the receipt process: signing does not equate to waiving rights, but claiming repairs after long-term occupancy increases liability for site preservation—report issues to the developer in writing to preserve rights and document major issues. The fourth layer concerns claim priority: - Minor/moderate discrepancies: demand timely repair or compensation based on price differences (market inquiry + appraisal), and claim breach of contract penalties for delayed delivery (period during which decoration defects prevent normal occupancy). - Brand/material downgrading: calculate compensation based on cost differences of replaced components. - Serious discrepancies (degraded overall standards, hidden engineering risks): rescind the contract and demand refunds, plus compensation for decoration costs and rental losses. - Collective rights protection: collaborate with fellow homeowners to gather evidence and litigate, which reduces appraisal and negotiation costs when sample size is large and increases developer willingness to settle. - Finally, verify whether decoration costs are itemized separately: when claiming price differences for bundled housing prices, calculate losses based on decoration costs alone to avoid being diluted by "overall housing price discounts".

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to take photos of the model room during the contract signing and require written confirmation that the delivery standards are consistent. The second step is to inspect the house before signing the contract and commission a professional institution to issue a deviation report. The third step is to send a written letter to the developer to claim for repairs or compensation, and keep records of the reminders. The fourth step is to choose between price discounts, repairs, or litigation for eviction based on the severity of the problem if no agreement is reached, and to apply for cost appraisal if necessary. The main legal basis is: Articles 577 and 582 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, Article 31 of the Measures for the Administration of the Sale of Commercial Housing, and relevant provisions of the Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Trials of Disputes over the Sale of Commercial Housing Contracts; the specific application shall be subject to the currently effective provisions.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder

Three key points for protecting your rights in a luxury apartment: Take photos of the model room when signing the contract, and ensure that the delivered apartment matches what was promised in the contract; Inspect the apartment before signing the contract and record every detail; Submit a deviation report to back up your claims; Demand a price discount for minor issues or a full refund for major ones; and leverage collective protection to safeguard your rights. Those who need assistance with claims related to luxury apartments can seek help through the following channels:Property transactions and construction projectsWe provide a comprehensive solution for services, which includes quality assessment if necessary.Business and contract disputes in enterprisesFor those involved in the issue of delayed house delivery, you can refer to the following information about the plate.Special servicesFor any questions regarding difficult situations, please feel free to consult us.Special services and other casesColumn.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I do if the developer demolishes the model apartment before handing over the house?

The demolition does not affect the validity of the previously preserved video evidence, and the act of demolition itself may lead to adverse inferences; the video and promotional materials at the time of signing the contract become crucial at this point.

Q2: How can I claim compensation if the contract only states "high-end decoration"?

Explain the usual standards by comparing the model room, promotional materials, and projects of the same price and grade, and determine the price difference through market inquiries and appraisals.

Q3: Can I still claim compensation if I've already finished decorating and moved in?

You can claim the price difference and breach of contract liability, but self-decoration will change the scene, making it more difficult to appraise the damage; it's safest to fix the evidence before moving in.

Q4: How is the price difference for renovation calculated?

According to the evaluation of the cost difference between the agreed standard and the actual delivery, the brand value reduction shall be calculated based on the market price difference, and a judicial appraisal shall be applied for when necessary.

Q5: Under what circumstances can I check out of the hotel?

If the decoration standard is severely reduced, resulting in the failure to achieve the contractual objectives, or if there are structural quality issues, the contract may be terminated, and the tenant may request to withdraw from the contract, get a refund, and claim damages. Generally, minor deviations will be addressed through repairs or price discounts.

The above content is based on the compilation of judicial practices in the Beijing area. The facts of individual cases and the jurisdiction of the court may affect the conclusions. Welcome to consult Henglu Law Firm for specific cases.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, so as to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Legal services for real estate transactions·Beijing Henglue Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on current laws and regulations and publicly available adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. In the event of a dispute, please consult a practicing lawyer promptly.