Distributing Home Renovation Work Information Digitally and Protocols for Seeking Help Against Noisy Renovation Unit and Managing Recalcitrant Cases
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Yip Hon Weng’s inquiry regarding digital notification for home renovations and protocols for managing noise complaints and recalcitrant cases. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee replied that HDB is exploring digital notification via the OneService app and currently mandates that contractors notify neighbors within a two-unit radius three days in advance. He stated that while HDB investigates rule infringements, disputes should ideally be resolved through mutual tolerance or mediation at the Community Mediation Centre and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal. The Minister emphasized that excessive enforcement is avoided to preserve social fabric, though residents can report issues to HDB or management corporations. These measures aim to balance the needs of renovating owners with the well-being of residents affected by noise in high-density environments.
Transcript
30 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether information on home renovation works can be distributed in advance through digital means or letters to ensure more residents get the information with ample time to prepare; (b) whether there is a recommended protocol for residents to seek help against a noisy renovation unit; and (c) whether there is a protocol to manage recalcitrant cases when there are recurring or similar complaints against the same unit.
Mr Desmond Lee: Certain renovation works that may affect the structural integrity of the HDB block, such as the demolition of walls and hacking of flooring, require a renovation permit from HDB. Currently, renovation contractors who have applied for a HDB renovation permit for such works on behalf of flat owners have to put up the notice of renovation outside the flat during the renovation period. The contractor is also required to serve a notice at least three days in advance to the surrounding flats within a 2-unit radius from the unit undergoing renovation. To improve outreach to residents, HDB is exploring digital options such as the use of the OneService app to keep the residents of the block informed of the units undergoing renovation.
In a high-density living environment, some amount of noise is inevitable. It is important that residents do their part by showing consideration for their neighbours, such as by keeping the noise level down. In light of the COVID-19 situation and with more households working from home, we understand that some residents may be affected by renovation noise. However, there is a need to balance the needs of the owners who wish to complete their renovations early, and those of residents affected by the works. Mutual understanding and tolerance will facilitate the completion of works and allow new owners to move in as soon as possible.
While HDB will investigate and take necessary actions against contractors who are found to have infringed the rules, in most instances, residents and contractors cooperate when alerted to feedback about noise, and will take measures to minimise the inconvenience to their neighbours. Under the Community Dispute Management Framework, disputing parties can also seek mediation at the Community Mediation Centre, or in more intractable cases, refer the matter to the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal. We should not resort to excessive enforcement, as doing so is not only intrusive, but also destroys the social fabric.
HDB residents with feedback on renovation works may contact HDB’s branch service line at 1800-225-5432 or the Essential Maintenance Service Unit after office hours. Residents in strata-titled developments may approach the management corporation or managing agent for assistance.