Avenues for Landed Property Owners to Gain Access to Construct or Treat Adjoining Party Walls
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the avenues for landed property owners to gain access for constructing or treating adjoining party walls, as raised by Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling. Minister Lawrence Wong stated that owners require neighborly consent or should utilize mediation through Neighbourhood Committees or the Community Mediation Centre to resolve disputes. Owners may also explore construction methods that do not require entry, though the Building and Construction Authority can intervene if structural safety is compromised. Under the Building Control Act, a Dangerous Building Order can be issued to mandate repairs, with non-compliance resulting in fines of up to $100,000 or imprisonment. Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that neighbors should resolve issues amicably before conditions deteriorate and pose structural dangers.
Transcript
25 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for National Development what avenues are available for owners of landed properties to gain access to construct or treat any adjoining party walls.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Owners of landed properties require their neighbour’s consent if they wish to enter the latter’s property to carry out works on party walls or adjoining fences. Owners who face difficulties in seeking their neighbours' cooperation should first engage Neighbourhood Committees or mediation/dispute resolution channels like the Community Mediation Centre, to try to resolve the issues amicably. Alternatively, landed property owners can check with their consultants or contractors to explore methods of work that do not require access to their neighbours' properties.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) regulates construction with a focus on the structural safety of buildings. If there is reason to suspect that the structural integrity of any building is compromised, including adjoining walls, BCA officers can enter the premises to carry out inspections. If BCA assesses that there are any structural safety concerns, the Commissioner of Building Control can serve a Dangerous Building Order under the Building Control Act requiring the owner to take immediate precautionary measures to remove the danger and carry out permanent rectification work within a specified timeline. Those who fail to comply with the Order may be subject to a fine of up to $100,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both.
Nevertheless, it is preferable for neighbours to try to work things out with each other rather than allowing conditions to deteriorate to such an extent as to pose a danger to both parties.