240 condensation and mould cases from neighbours’ air-con use reported to HDB in 2025

SINGAPORE – In 2025, the Housing Board saw 240 cases of feedback involving condensation and mould on ceilings and walls arising from neighbours’ use of air-conditioners.

Giving this figure in Parliament on Jan 14, Senior Minister of State for National Development Sun Xueling said that in response, HDB conducts inspections to find the cause of the condensation and mould before providing “appropriate advice” to flat owners and neighbours, including how residents can use their air-cons properly.

She also recommended that flat owners keep rooms well ventilated to minimise mould growth and consider the use of mould-resistant paint as a preventive measure.

Ms Sun was addressing a question raised by Ms Jessica Tan (East Coast GRC) on the number of such cases reported to HDB.

Noting that she has seen an increasing trend of mould and condensation issues which residents cannot do anything about, Ms Tan asked if HDB will consider mandating wall or ceiling enhancements for people who continuously use their air-cons.

She also asked about possible measures that can be taken to ensure accountability, cost-sharing or timely resolution of such disputes between neighbours, in addition to whether guidelines can be introduced to assign responsibility.

She added that some residents have experienced mould growth on entire walls or ceilings, and are facing health issues as a result.

Responding, Ms Sun said HDB can provide advice to the neighbours on the proper use of air-cons, including the duration of use and temperature settings.

But in the case of wall and ceiling enhancements, she noted that HDB will have to explore if these will truly work.

Mandating the use of such enhancements would depend on specific circumstances, such as those with egregious use of air-cons that has led to the damage of a neighbour’s flat, added Ms Sun.

She said: “Based on the case specifics, we will have to see how the compensation can be best shared by the two individuals.”

Ms Tan told The Straits Times that she has observed a trend of such cases, although the number is not large, and that she saw mould growing on “quite a large portion” of the wall and ceiling of a resident’s flat.

She said that besides damaging residents’ property, the mould growth also affects the health of those residing there as it poses risks such as respiratory issues and allergies – which may have greater implications on young children, seniors and those who are immunocompromised.

The resolution of such issues is not easy because the process often includes long conversations between both residents to reach an agreement, and may sometimes require the authorities to mediate and resolve the issue amicably, added Ms Tan.

“This is why I feel there should be policy guidelines by the Government to set clear regulations on this issue,” she said, adding that solving these issues quickly and smoothly would minimise damage to residents’ property and the health of their loved ones.