Disputes among Neighbours in HDB Estates

Mr Alex Yam asked the Minister for National Development with regard to disputes between neighbours in HDB estates (a) what are the current processes in place to deal with such disputes; (b) how many mediations for such disputes has HDB conducted over the past two years; and (c) if HDB has undertaken any evictions in relation to such disputes.

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Most disputes between neighbours in HDB estates concern noise nuisance, obstruction at common areas, dripping laundry and pet nuisance. HDB received more feedback on such disputes last year compared to the preceding two years.

In handling such cases, HDB officers would work closely with grassroots leaders in the community to find out more details and advise the parties involved to be considerate and exercise mutual respect and tolerance. In most cases, the residents are cooperative and would take measures to minimise the inconveniences to their neighbours. However, if the issue persists, the parties would then be advised to go for mediation to reach an amicable resolution. Over the past two years, the Community Mediation Centre (CMC) mediated a total of 73 cases concerning disputes between neighbours living in HDB estates.

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HDB believes that mediation can be more widely used to help resolve disputes between neighbours, and therefore works with CMC to encourage people to consider mediation. On its part, CMC has made efforts to make community mediation more accessible and effective. For instance, CMC works closely with frontline agencies like HDB to strengthen its referral partnership. As part of these efforts, CMC is working with frontline agencies to ensure that parties comply with mediation agreements.

HDB does not take enforcement action for private disputes involving only two parties. However, for persistent public nuisance that affects a group of residents, HDB may consider compulsory acquisition of the flat as a last resort. So far, it has only done so once, in 1990. In that instance, a group of affected residents had initiated a civil suit against the HDB occupier after all mediation efforts failed. However, the occupier failed to cease the noise nuisance even after being convicted in Court for disorderly behaviour and being fined. HDB hence had to step in.

Neighbourly disputes do not usually happen overnight. They can be prevented with continuous effort by residents and community leaders to build good neighbourliness where Singaporeans learn to live and share common spaces.

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