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Building and Construction Authority

What to know as a condo owner

Owning a condominium unit means more than enjoying the space within your unit. It comes with responsibilities that help keep the estate running smoothly and protect its long-term value. Every resident plays an important part in maintaining a harmonious living environment.

Last updated 26 January 2026

Whether you have purchased the condo unit as a home or an investment, it is important to know your responsibilities and any rules that apply to unit owners. As a unit owner, you are automatically a subsidiary proprietor (SP) and a part of the Management Corporation (MCST). Knowing these responsibilities helps keep the property in good condition and maintain its value over time.

Your roles and responsibilities as an SP

1. Preserving your estate’s quality and property value

SPs should be active in maintaining the quality and value of the whole estate.

This is done by:

  1. Attending general meetings and voting on resolutions;

  2. Paying contributions; and

  3. Using your unit and common property with consideration for others.

2. Complying with all by-laws

By-laws are voted on during general meetings. Even if you were not present during voting, you are required to follow them once enacted by the MCST.

Concerns about the validity and appropriateness of the MCST’s by-laws may be raised at the next general meeting or by applying to the Strata Titles Boards (STB) for resolution.

3. Maintaining your unit

As an SP, you are responsible for the upkeep of your property, including features like external openable windows and pipes. 

Lack of or poor maintenance resulting in property damage or injury may make you liable for compensation.

Check with your MCST for clarification on features that come under your charge and responsibility.

4. Paying your maintenance fees

To enjoy clean and functioning facilities, every owner must contribute to the upkeep of shared property and amenities.

Your MCST) relies on timely contributions to cover daily maintenance and future repair or upgrade works. 

Maintenance of common features like lifts is necessary to ensure safety and reliability. Over time, they may also need upgraded parts or improved safety features. As part of the MCST, you must ensure that sinking funds are regularly and adequately collected.

Property works and limitations

Defects Liability Period

The Defects Liability Period (DLP) is the period when owners must report defects caused by substandard workmanship or defective materials. Developers must resolve these defects under the Sales and Purchase (S&P) agreement. Any defect reported during DLP remains under the developer’s responsibility if still unsolved beyond the period. The S&P agreement outlines the types of defects that fall under the developer’s responsibility.

You are responsible for your unit’s upkeep once the DLP has passed. You may need to engage your own contractor and bear the cost of repairs for issues arising after the DLP period.

Restrictions

Restrictions on alteration works

A. Within Your Unit

There are restrictions on hacking or additional work allowed in your unit. Structural elements such as slabs, beams, columns, and walls cannot be altered without proper assessment by a Professional Engineer. Approval from the Commissioner of Building Control is also required.

You should also check with the developer or the MCST and the Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&PA) about renovation restrictions before carrying out any work.

B. Common Property

Common property refers to areas within the estate that do not belong to any individual units, such as gardens, playgrounds and even external walls of your unit. External Building Features

Alterations to features fixed on the external building, such as windows and walls, are not allowed without approval from the MCST and any relevant government agencies. Any addition to your unit that may affect the appearance of any building in the estate, e.g., addition of private enclosed space awnings or coverings, requires the MCST's permission and agreement.

Restrictions on improvement work requiring the MCST’s approval

SPs intending to carry out work which increases the total gross floor area (GFA) of the entire estate must obtain a 90% resolution from the MCST.

Examples include roofing in a private enclosed space and putting a slab over a void in a unit. Depending on the type of work done, approvals of other authorities like the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA), may be necessary. 

Dealing with disputes

In a dense built-up environment, tolerance, mutual understanding, and communication are necessary for a harmonious condo living experience. However, occasional disagreements or personal conflicts may still arise. Disputes between unit owners or with the management council are private matters. Therefore, they should be settled amicably.

Parties unable to resolve arguments or disputes may seek the help of mediation channels such as Community Mediation Centre (CMC) or Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC). Another option is to apply to the Strata Titles Boards (STB) for dispute resolution. Government agencies are generally not empowered to compel the actions of individuals in these private matters.