Common issues or disputes encountered by residents in private estates

While BCA cannot intervene in or advise on private disputes, we have included a flowchart with some examples of common private disputes, and a list of dispute resolution mechanisms available.

Dispute resolution options

Property owners are encouraged to first approach the other dispute party to resolve matters amicably. If this is not effective, the next step is to consider mediation.

Community Mediation Centre (CMC)

The CMC is ideal for resolving non-contractual community matters between residents, such as inconsiderate neighbour behaviour or noise complaints.

• Administered by the Ministry of Law

• Free of charge

• Effective for resolving interpersonal issues

View cases mediated by CMC

Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC)

The SMC provides professional mediation services for a wide range of disputes, including contracts matters involving service providers or businesses.

• Professional mediators

• Fees may apply

Encroachment / Boundary line disputes

Disagreements over property boundaries should first be addressed through direct communication with your neighbour.    

• Obtain a registered surveyor’s certification on your legal boundaries. This ascertains your own land/boundary ownership.

• Consider mediation via CMC or SMC if direct discussions fail.

Neighbourhood Committees (NCs)

These grassroots organisations aim to strengthen relationships within residential communities in private housing estates.

• Encourage active citizenry and foster stronger community bonds within private housing estates.

• Promote neighbourliness, harmony, and cohesiveness amongst residents.

• Consider approaching your local NC to see if they can assist with mediating the dispute. Visit the People’s Association website for a list of NCs in your area.

Community Disputes Resolution (CDRT)

The CDRT is a legal resolution avenue ideal for severe and ongoing neighbourly disputes where mediation is ineffective.

• Part of the State Courts of Singapore.

• For persistent neighbourhood disputes that involve unreasonable interference with one’s enjoyment or use of residence.

• Established by the Community Disputes Resolution Act (CDRA) to hear cases.

• Must only be considered after all self-help and mediation options are exhausted.

Management Strata Corporation Titles (MCSTs)

Condominiums and other strata-titled properties are managed on self-governance as empowered by the Building (Strata Management) Act (B(SM)A), which allows owners to collectively manage the estate. 

• Neighbourly disputes between residents, or between residents and the management council, are considered private matters. As a unit owner (i.e. subsidiary proprietor ‘SP’), you will have to manage neighbourly disputes and conflicts privately.

• If you are unable to privately resolve disputes or arguments with the involved parties, you should seek mediation channels to settle the disputes or apply to the Strata Titles Boards (STB) for resolution.  

• For more examples and details on common disputes, refer to SMG9: Dispute Resolution - Common Disputes and Courses of Actions [PDF, 467 KB].

Strata Titles Boards (STB)

If a dispute within a strata-titled property cannot be resolved internally or via mediation, the unit owner (i.e. subsidiary proprietor ‘SP’) can file an application with STB. The STB is a quasi-judicial tribunal, established under the Building (Strata Management) Act, to mediate and hear applications between SPs and management corporations, or between SPs, on matters relating to certain disputes within strata-titled properties. 

Typical cases include:

• Inter-floor water leakages

• performance or failure to perform certain duties under the B(SM)A or by-laws,

• applications to convene meetings or invalidate resolutions passed by the management corporations,

• car parking woes,

• complaints about alterations to common property,

• applications to revoke or invalidate certain by-laws,

• supply of information by management corporation,

• management corporation requesting to enter an apartment to carry out particular work, etc.

You may refer to the full list in the  Strata Management Guide SMG9: Dispute Resolution - Common Disputes and Courses of Actions.

Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE)

CASE handles consumer-to-business disputes, where the consumer may engage CASE’s services to liaise with the business to work towards an amicable settlement.

Small Claims Tribunal 

The Small Claims Tribunal is a cost-effective solution for minor civil disputes involving goods, services, and residential tenancy agreements. 

• Part of the State Courts of Singapore.

• Quick and inexpensive forum for the resolution of small claims between consumers and suppliers.

• Claims up to $20,000, or $30,000 if both parties agree and file a Memorandum of Consent.

Other options (legal resources)

If mediation or community-based methods are insufficient, you may need formal legal advice or assistance. A few legal resources are listed below:

1. MinLaw’s Legal Services Search Directory

   • For individuals searching for a lawyer.

2. Asia Law Network Quick Consult

   • For legal advice via phone for a flat fee.

3. Community Legal Clinics

   • Free basic, legal advice. Note that eligibility conditions apply.

4. Legal Aid Bureau

   • For individuals who would like to apply for legal aid.