Public Awareness on Maintenance of Common Property Needed

PRESS STATEMENT

The Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (REHDA) conveys its support of the decision taken by the Government to appoint Commissioners of Buildings (COB) for every State to bridge the gap faced by house buyers and developers for the period between delivery of vacant possession and issuance of strata titles.

REHDA President, Mr Ng Seing Liong says, :The responsibilities of strata property owners and developers can now be clearly defined prior to issuance of strata titles. This would surely set clear expectations for house buyers and developers to follow through."

The appointment of a COB could spell an end to housing developers' woes with regard to the perpetual difficulties in the collection of maintenance and management fees for upkeep of common property. Housing developers who shoulder this responsibility in anticipation of strata titles issuance can fall back on the commissioner to enable due maintenance is able to be carried out during the interim period.

Further, problems pertaining to the misuse of common property amongst homeowners can finally be addressed. Abuse of common property amongst strata property owners is a common occurrence, particularly in low and low-medium cost housing schemes in urban areas.

REHDA feels that there is a lack of understanding amongst homeowners of strata property regarding the management fees collected for the maintenance of common property. In particular, residents who own strata property do not appreciate the difference between the management fees and other forms of payment such as quit rent and assessment rates. In this respect, REHDA urges the State Governments to educate the public to ensure smooth implementation of the Bill in the future.

REHDA also welcomes the tabling of the amendments of the relevant legislation with the intended effect of replacing the Certificate of Fitness for Occupancy (CFO) with the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

REHDA President, Mr. Ng Seing Liong, J.P. thanks the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for pursuing this matter with the Government, saying that such a progress shows the commitment of the Government in reducing red tape in the industry by encouraging self-regulation and self-certification by professionals.

REHDA believes that implementation of the CCC would allow technical aspects to be separated from the non-technical issues, giving rise to higher efficiency and expediency in the construction of projects. Delays in construction and compliance costs can be reduced and house buyers will stand to benefit from these savings.

Statement issued by:
Ng Seing Liong, J.P.
President
Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association