Who can install a laundry rack outside the window?

Who does laundry rack installation outside the window

External drying racks in HDB flats are installed by HDB through its upgrading programmes. Under HDB's Home Improvement Programme, the Essential Improvements include replacing pipe sockets with a new clothes drying rack. Since 2020, for newer HIP projects, the external retractable clothes drying rack has 7 horizontal stainless steel poles that extend and retract within the rack's frame, where this is technically feasible. Essential Improvements are decided under the programme. For more on how upgrading works, see the Home Improvement Programme.

HDB's important information on renovations lists "installing awning or other fixtures outside the flat" among its examples of disallowed building works. So an external rack is not something you can add as a renovation.

For other fixtures, see who maintains what in an HDB flat.

If your flat still has pipe socket holders

The Ministry of National Development (MND) said in 2020 that HDB has been progressively replacing pipe socket laundry pole holders with external clothes drying racks under its upgrading programmes. It added that some older flats upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) still use pipe socket holders, and that HDB was studying other drying rack solutions for them. Meanwhile, MND said, residents with pipe socket holders can consider other solutions such as indoor free-standing racks.

Fitting your own external rack in place of the pipe sockets is not an option, since fixtures outside the flat are disallowed renovation works. For a fixed rack indoors, see the next section.

Ceiling racks indoors

HDB's renovation guidelines for building works say installing a clothes drying hanger on the ceiling in the kitchen or service yard needs no permit. All fasteners must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth. The rule names these two spaces, so check HDB's guidelines before planning a rack elsewhere. Works that do not need a permit must still follow HDB's guidelines.

A handyman can do this job, and you can browse handyman services in the directory. The guide to HDB drilling rules explains drilling limits in more detail.

Safety rules for poles and racks

HDB's killer litter guidance says residents must not place or hang any object within or outside the flat in a way that threatens safety, and penalties apply. Its don'ts for laundry and ledges include:

• Do not fix laundry brackets to the parapet wall.
• Do not tie or hang objects from bamboo pole holders.
• Do not place bamboo poles in a criss-cross manner. Place them in a proper manner.
• Do not place objects on window or balcony ledges.
• Do not place objects such as flower pots and clothes hanging racks on common corridor parapet walls.
• Do not hang items above parapet walls or balconies.

If you spot potential killer litter, HDB's guidance says you can remind neighbours to remove it, tell your Town Council about hazardous items in common areas, or call HDB about items at aircon ledges or balconies.

Watch out for door-to-door rack offers

HDB warns that some people go door to door claiming to provide repair services on HDB's behalf. They offer works such as installing laundry racks and say their products are HDB-approved. Some residents paid deposits and the services were never provided.

According to the same HDB page, HDB informs residents in advance of works in their flat through circulars or notices on the block notice board. HDB officers carry a staff card with their photograph, so ask to see it before letting anyone in. Common tricks include claiming to do upgrading work in the block, offering competitive rates and carrying official-looking files. Targets tend to be elderly people alone at home.

Questions to ask before a ceiling rack job

Ask these before the job starts. The post on questions to ask before hiring a handyman covers more general points.

• Where will the rack go? Confirm it is the kitchen or service yard ceiling, the spaces the no-permit rule covers.
• What size are the fasteners? Check they do not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth.
• Do water pipes or wiring run in that part of the ceiling? Ask how the handyman will check before drilling.
• What does the price include? Ask whether it covers the rack and the fixings. Price depends on the job, and handyman rates shows the rates companies publish.

Questions