Answer:

Building owners have a duty to ensure that their buildings are well maintained. There are legislative (or regulatory) requirements currently in place. For example, BCA requires building owners to appoint a professional engineer to inspect the building on a regular basis, and to rectify any structural defects found. SCDF requires owners of buildings with higher fire safety risks, such as publicly accessible buildings with higher occupancy, to appoint a professional engineer to audit the building’s fire safety measures annually. EMA requires building owners to appoint a licensed electrical worker to conduct regular inspections to ensure that electrical installations are fit for operation. PUB requires building owners to engage a licensed plumber to inspect their potable water tanks annually to ensure that the water is fit and safe for use. NEA requires building owners to dispose of their refuse properly, such as by maintaining refuse chutes, and also to prohibit any person from creating conditions favourable to the propagation of vectors.

If buildings are not properly maintained, the respective agencies can direct building owners or management corporations (MCs) to make rectifications where necessary. For example, BCA can issue a Notice to Maintain to building owners or MCs to compel them to repair defects.

Failure to comply with the regulatory requirements or directions is an offence under the respective Acts and Regulations, and the relevant public agencies can take enforcement action against the building owners, MCs, or building occupants accordingly.  Penalties for non-compliance include fines or imprisonment or both.

Public agencies maintain the infrastructure on public land under their respective purviews across Singapore, including the public infrastructure within private residential estates. Members of the public can provide feedback on maintenance issues directly to the agencies or via the Municipal Services Office, using the OneService app.