http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10296p.nsf/PressReleases/259F1AF848A8AAE448257E060029D8FC?OpenDocument
The key features of the Housing and Development (Amendment) Bill 2015 are as follows:
[color=rgb(166,46,47) !important](a) Power of Entry for Investigation & Urgent Repairs
From time to time, HDB receives feedback that needs investigations and repairs. One example would be ceiling leaks, where the cooperation of the flat-owner in the upper floor to carry out repairs is needed, in order to resolve the difficulties faced by the flat-owner in the lower floor that suffers the ceiling leak. While most of these cases are resolved amicably, the resolution of a proportion of such cases can be protracted. Hence, HDB tries to assist the flat owners to ensure that repairs to the upper floor unit are done without delay. However, if the flat owners persistently refuse to allow entry by HDB to the flat to investigate and carry out repairs, HDB will have no choice but to proceed to obtain a court order to enter the flat as a last resort. This inadvertently delays the repair works and prolongs the inconvenience to residents.
The Bill proposes to give HDB the power to enter a flat to carry out investigation and urgent repairs in two ways:
(i) With a court warrant — HDB will obtain a court warrant to enter the flat should the owners ignore a 24-hour notice period and not allow HDB to enter the flat. The warrant gives HDB the right of forced entry into the flat for investigation and urgent repair works (e.g. to fix urgent ceiling leaks).
(ii) Without a court warrant — HDB will exercise right of entry into the flat, where there is an imminent danger affecting public safety or public health in the area (e.g. hacking of structural beams) which may affect the structural integrity of the building and the safety of the residents).
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