Debated in Parliament on 26 Sep 2025.
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the average age of HDB flats with reported ceiling seepage in 2025; (b) of these reported cases, how many did HDB agree to bear rectification costs fully; and (c) whether HDB will consider bearing more ceiling leak repair costs under the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme, especially for flat owners who are retired seniors with limited funds.
Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many cases of complex water seepage has HDB handled so far in 2025; (b) how does this number of cases compare (i) year-on-year and (ii) against the 859 cases recorded in 2024; and (c) what measures is HDB taking to ensure repairs are expedited, especially during the monsoon season.
From January to August 2025, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) assisted Town Councils (TCs) and flat owners with 615 complex water seepage cases. Such cases included water seepage from various sources, such as from the external wall or the flat above. This translates to an average of 77 cases per month, compared to 72 cases per month in 2024. Based on HDB's data, it did not observe a surge in cases in recent monsoon seasons. Notwithstanding, HDB had received feedback from some TCs that the number of external water seepage cases typically increases during monsoon seasons and is ready to assist TCs if they require technical assistance.
Based on cases reported to HDB, the average age of HDB flats with reported ceiling leaks in 2025 is about 40 years.
Flat owners are responsible for the maintenance of the interior of their flats, including the repair of leaks in the shared structure between units. Hence, while HDB co-pays 50% of the repair cost through the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme, the remaining 50% is shared equally between the upper- and lower-floor flat owners. For residents who require financial assistance with their share of the repair costs, HDB will refer them to the relevant grassroots organisations and Community Development Councils to seek assistance.
For serious inter-floor ceiling leaks, HDB will expedite repair works subject to the upper-floor flat owners' availability and may carry out temporary repairs at the lower-floor flat, if needed. As for external wall seepage cases, which fall under the purview of TCs, HDB will continue to support TCs for complex cases by conducting joint inspections and providing technical advice. This enables TCs to identify the root causes and carry out repairs expeditiously.
HDB is currently studying the use of technologies, such as microwave scanning, which can scan through concrete to detect and trace sources of seepage. This can help TCs to more effectively diagnose and resolve complex water seepage cases upfront.
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