HDB repair questions answered

HDB repairs: leaks and seepage

HDB says ceiling leaks are common in older buildings and typically occur in toilets and bathrooms. They usually come from wear and tear of the waterproof membrane and screed in the flat above.

Who repairs a leak between two flats?

HDB says flat owners are responsible for the upkeep of their own flats, including the floor and ceiling slabs. For a leak between two flats, the owners arrange the repair and split the costs. HDB's first steps are to talk to your upstairs neighbour and agree a time for a check. The leaks and seepage FAQ covers more.

What if the leak comes from the roof?

HDB says a leak on the topmost floor comes from the roof, which is common property, so contact your Town Council. A void deck ceiling leak is different: the Town Council and the flat owner jointly arrange the repair and split the costs. For external walls or the rooftop, the Town Council bears the full repair cost.

What repair methods does HDB describe?

HDB recommends re-screeding. It also describes a localised repair at the floor waste grating and treatment of exposed concrete at the floor waste, and lists polyurethane (PU) injection and overlaying waterproofing membrane systems as other methods. Some leaks need more than one method. Read more about a ceiling leak from upstairs.

Common property and the Town Council

What counts as common property?

HDB says common property includes corridors, void decks, lifts, the water tank, public lighting and open spaces. Town Councils control, manage, maintain and improve the common property of HDB residential flats and commercial property in the town. Contact your Town Council about routine maintenance and cyclical improvement works. Regular upkeep inside your flat is your role.

Who clears a choke in the main pipe?

The Town Council does. HDB's pipes guide says the Town Council is responsible for maintaining the main sanitary pipes, while you maintain the sanitary branch pipes in your flat. If a choke in your floor trap slows drainage, remove the solid waste and engage a licensed plumber for repairs where necessary. Read more on choked drain clearing.

Fittings inside your flat

Who fixes a worn tap, hinge or switch?

You do. HDB says that under the Lease Agreement, home owners maintain the flat's interior, including the fixtures and fittings installed. HDB lists some contractors as a guide only. Any engagement is private: you negotiate terms and charges yourself and pay the contractor directly. For taps, hinges and similar small jobs, see the handyman job list.

Who handles spalling concrete?

You do. HDB says the home owner is responsible for preventing spalling concrete through regular maintenance, and for any repair work. Spalling is common in older buildings, especially in kitchens and toilets. A small area can be repaired by the owner. If the patch is large, engage a contractor promptly, before more concrete dislodges and causes injury.

New flats and defects

How long is the Defects Liability Period?

It lasts 1 year from key collection. HDB covers all newly completed flats with a 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP) and asks you to report items "within 1 month of key collection and before your renovation works begin". That saves investigating whether a defect came from construction or renovation. More in the Defects Liability Period guide.

How do I report a defect in a new flat?

Within the DLP, HDB says you submit a rectification request online, using the QR code in the Welcome Kit or on the notice on your kitchen wall, or at the temporary Building Service Centre near your home. The centre arranges a joint inspection, assigns contractors and, once the work is done, arranges a closing inspection with you.

Renovation rules

Do I need a permit for repair works?

Some works do. HDB says some renovations, such as those in its building and sanitary works guidelines, need a permit; start them only after it is granted. Works that need no permit must still follow HDB's guidelines, or they are unauthorised works. Use a contractor from the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). Try the renovation permit checker.

When can contractors work?

HDB allows general renovations 9am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with none on Sundays and public holidays. Restricted (noisy) works run 9am to 5pm on weekdays only, not on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays or the eves of New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas Day. Use the renovation hours checker.

Where to go next

This HDB repair FAQ is a starting point. For more on who handles what and which trade fits your job, these pages go further:

• Who maintains what in an HDB flat
• HDB or condo repairs: who to ask
• Which service you need
• Ceiling leak: what to do

Questions