Forum: Don’t let uncooperative HDB flat owners inconvenience neighbours

HDB needs to be vested with more power to deal with uncooperative and recalcitrant owners who inconvenience others (Have residents’ handbook outlining clear guidelines on HDB living, July 19).

I am a new owner of a resale flat. After I took over the flat, I discovered the ceiling of the master bedroom toilet was leaking and reported it promptly to HDB in March. Nothing was done until the fourth report was made in April.

There was evidence of worn-out waterproofing from the HDB unit above. The owner of the unit delayed the waterproofing tests for weeks when HDB tried to engage him. A repair date was scheduled for July, but the owner cancelled on the date, citing financial difficulties. He asked to reschedule the repair to September.

I offered to pay more than my 50 per cent co-share of the cost, and pay 75 per cent to expedite the work so that I could move into my unit on time. HDB then informed me the flat owner had arranged privately with the HDB contractor for additional renovation work, and wanted to delay the repair till September.

This turn of events is bewildering. HDB seems to be accommodating an uncooperative owner, allowing him to delay critical repair work for six months, indirectly penalising and inconveniencing a cooperative owner who has been working patiently with HDB to resolve the issue.

I believe my experience is not isolated. Recalcitrant flat owners seem to be treated leniently, as reported in the media, over issues like noise nuisance and excessive cluttering, sometimes for years. This soft attitude reinforces the idea that it pays to be wayward, and culprits can act with little repercussion. 

Chen JiaQing