Number of Cases of Water Leakage within HDB Flats reported to HDB between 2014 and 2021

Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) for each year from 2014 to 2021, what is the number of cases of water leakage within HDB flats reported to HDB; (b) what percentage of these cases are due to piping or waterproofing issues from the units above; (c) how long on average does it take for these cases to be resolved; and (d) how many of these cases required HDB's special enforcement as a result of the owner's failure to take rectification measures.

Ceiling leaks that occur in HDB flats are generally a result of wear and tear over time. In such cases, the responsibility for repairs is shared jointly between the upper and lower-floor flat owners. Both upper and lower-floor flat owners would need to jointly investigate and carry out the repairs. In most cases, ceiling leaks can be amicably resolved when flat owners exercise mutual understanding and cooperate with one another in the investigation and repairs.

Notwithstanding that flat owners are responsible for the maintenance of their homes, on a goodwill basis, HDB has, on a goodwill basis, helped flat owners to investigate, identify the source and causes of leak. Some examples of causes of leaks, could be due to deteriorated waterproofing membrane in toilets, leaked pipes and washing of the kitchen flooring. Upon completion of the investigation, HDB will advise flat owners on the remedial actions, including providing a list of repair contractors if needed.

From 2014 to 2021, HDB received an average of about 21 reported cases of ceiling leak per 1,000 dwelling units each year. About 92% of the cases were due to piping and waterproofing issues from the units above.

The majority of ceiling leak cases will take about a month to investigate and one to two months to arrange for repairs, on average, but the time needed differs according to the complexity, the availability of the upper floor owners and availability of the repair contractors’ resources.

For the minority of uncooperative upper-floor flat owners, HDB will first try to persuade them to cooperate, including seeking assistance from grassroots leaders to mediate. For those who persistently refuse to cooperate, HDB will consider taking legal action as a last resort. For the past three years, HDB took legal action against an average of 30 uncooperative households yearly.