Repair of Ceiling Leaks and Spalling Concrete

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) on whom should the responsibility of repairing ceiling leaks and spalling concrete in HDB flats lie with; (b) what are the objectives of the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme in view of the stated responsibilities; (c) what is the period range for such goodwill repairs; and (d) what is the period deemed acceptable by the Ministry for such repairs.

Flat owners are responsible for the maintenance of their flats, including repairs for general wear and tear. This applies to all sold

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residential buildings, both public and private. For HDB flats, flat owners are responsible for the repairs to the spalling concrete and ceiling leaks in their flats. In the case of ceiling leaks, both the owners of the upper and lower floor units are jointly responsible, as provided under HDB Lease.

In cases where flat owners have difficulties with the repairs, HDB provides assistance through the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) Scheme. Under the GRA scheme, HDB arranges for the repair works and co-pays 50% of the cost. For ceiling leak repairs, the balance 50% is shared equally by the upper- and lower-floor flat owners. For spalling concrete repairs, the affected flat owners bear the balance 50% of the repair costs.

The actual repair work to resolve ceiling leaks and spalling concrete takes about 3.5 days and one day respectively. However, the time HDB needs to complete investigations and repairs depends very much on the complexity of the problem, and the cooperation of the flat owners. Generally, about 80% of repairs are carried out within four months from the date of feedback.

MND does not set an acceptable period for such repairs. Where repairs are delayed by uncooperative flat owners, HDB will try to persuade them to cooperate, involving the grassroots leaders to mediate where needed. Legal action is used as a last resort when persuasion fails.