Seeking Neighbours Cooperation for Work on Adjoining Walls

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for National Development beyond verbal persuasion, what are the interventions available to the Ministry and channels accessible to members of the public to turn to in instances where owners of landed properties find difficulties to seek cooperation of their neighbours to conduct works involving any adjoining party walls or fence.

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.