Condo living: common questions on repairs and rules

The MCST and common property

Am I part of the MCST?

Yes, once you own a unit. In its guide for condo owners, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) says a buyer of a private condominium unit becomes a subsidiary proprietor and part of the MCST. In other words, every owner belongs to it.

What does the MCST maintain?

Common property. BCA's Strata Management Guides deal with it twice: SMG1 explains strata living, share value, common property, the management and sinking funds, and by-laws; SMG11 covers maintenance of common property. Unsure who handles a fault? Read HDB or condo repairs: who to ask.

Who fixes defects in a new condo?

The developer, for defects reported within the DLP. BCA's condo owner guide says developers resolve defects from substandard workmanship or materials in accordance with the Sale and Purchase Agreement. A defect reported during the DLP stays the developer's responsibility even if it is not fixed before the period ends.

By-laws and condo MCST rules

What are by-laws for?

They set the rules owners and occupiers in your estate live by. BCA's SMG10, one of its Strata Management Guides, covers the purpose, types and uses of by-laws and how they are enforced. Two condos side by side in Bishan can have different by-laws.

Where do I get a copy?

From the management office. Ask for the current by-laws and any house rules before you sign a tenancy, book movers or brief a renovation contractor, so your plans fit them from the start. The renovation rules FAQ gathers what owners ask once works begin.

Can by-laws control how my unit looks?

Yes, they can. BCA's guide on carrying out works in lots says the MCST may make by-laws with guidelines for works in units, keeping the building's appearance uniform in design, colour, material and size. Before choosing a grille or balcony screen that shows from the street, check your by-laws.

Works in your unit

When do I need the MCST's approval?

Before works that affect the building's appearance or structural integrity. SMG14, BCA's guide to works in lots, says section 37(4) requires the MCST's authorisation first, and section 33 requires its approval for works involving common property. So the first check for any works in lots condo owners plan is whether either applies.

Does BCA need to approve my renovation?

Not for insignificant building works. BCA's page on building works not requiring approval says these need no plan submission to BCA; for other works, consult a Qualified Person, a registered architect or professional engineer. Works in a strata development may need the MCST's approval, and other authorities' approvals may be needed.

What might the MCST ask for?

Whatever your by-laws require. The same BCA guide says by-laws may require owners to meet certain requirements and get MCST approval first, for example a professional engineer's endorsement on structural works and approval from the relevant authorities. Our condo renovation rules guide helps you plan around these steps.

Leaks between units

Who is responsible when water seeps through?

The party responsible for where the water comes from. BCA's SMG13, among its Strata Management Guides, covers condo water seepage: common problems, the parties responsible and the approach to repair. Tracing the source, whether the unit above or common property, comes before deciding who repairs.

What should I do first?

Record it and speak up early. Photograph the stain every few days, note whether it spreads after rain or after someone upstairs showers, then tell the MCST and the owner above. The leaks and seepage FAQ covers what owners ask at this stage.

What if the leak comes from a shared area?

Report it to the MCST. BCA's SMG11, in its Strata Management Guides, covers the maintenance of common property, which the management corporation looks after. Give the management office the exact spot, how long it has leaked and your photos, so the source can be traced sooner.

EV chargers and disputes

What vote does an EV charger proposal need?

An ordinary resolution, a simple majority of votes at a meeting. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) says in its EV guide for MCSTs that since 2023 this applies to installing or uninstalling chargers and to by-laws on EV charging lots, if the charging operator's lease does not exceed 10 years and MCST funds are not used.

What checks come before chargers go in?

Power, approved hardware and registration. LTA's guide says to confirm spare power with the facilities manager and have a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) assess the substation and switch room. Only type-approved chargers with an LTA approval label should go in, each registered and its registration mark affixed within 60 days of registration. More in EV charging condo rules.

Where do I start with a dispute?

With BCA's SM9, one of its Strata Management Guides, which outlines common disputes within an estate and the courses of action to reach a resolution. Before escalating, set out your concern to the management office with dates and photos, so the facts are clear.

Where to go next

Just collected the keys to a new unit? The condo defects checklist is the natural next stop while the DLP is running. For handyman work inside your unit, quotes depend on the job, your estate's access rules and the materials, so share the same scope and by-law conditions with every company before they price it.

Questions