Debated in Parliament on 14 Jan 2026.
Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo asked the Minister for National Development (a) in 2025, how many cases did HDB receive regarding condensation and mould on walls or ceilings arising from neighbours’ continuous air conditioning use; and (b) whether HDB will consider requiring flat owners to undertake wall or ceiling enhancements as part of preventive maintenance obligations.
In 2025, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) received a total of about 240 cases of feedback regarding condensation and mould on walls or ceilings arising from neighbours' use of air-conditioners.
Upon receiving such feedback, HDB will conduct inspections to determine the cause of the condensation and mould, and provide appropriate advice to the flat owners and neighbours, including how they are using their air-conditioners. We also recommend flat owners to keep rooms well-ventilated to minimise mould growth and consider the use of mould-resistant paint as a preventive measure.
Ms Tan.
I thank the Senior Minister of State for her reply. The reason I am asking this is because I have seen an increasing trend of appeals with regard to these kinds of issues, especially mould caused by continuous use of air-conditioning by neighbours. The challenge for residents is that they cannot do anything because it is coming from the neighbour's unit. I would like to ask if HDB will consider mandating wall or ceiling enhancements for people, if they are going to be continuously using the air-conditioning. If not, then what measures could be taken to ensure accountability or cost-sharing or timely resolution of condensation disputes between neighbours?
My second question would be whether guidelines would be introduced to clarify responsibilities of affected flat owners? Because the damages are quite serious – entire walls or ceilings. The mould has also led to some health issues for many of my residents.
I thank the Member for the questions that she raised. HDB can consider providing an advisory to the neighbours on proper usage of air-conditioners, for instance, when it comes to the length of air-conditioning use or temperature settings. As to her suggestion on wall and ceiling enhancements, HDB has to explore if these enhancements will truly work. And as for whether or not we could stipulate them, I think we will have to take a look the specific circumstances, the specific cases. Where there are egregious uses where it has led to damage in the corresponding neighbour's flat, then based on the case specifics, we will have to see how the compensation can be best shared by the two individuals.
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