Can a contractor use the Small Claims Tribunals to recover an unpaid renovation bill?
Yes. The judiciary states that an individual or a corporate entity with an eligible claim may file. A company representing itself needs a letter of authorisation and its ACRA business profile. Filing fees are higher for entities than individuals: S$50 up to S$5,000, S$100 up to S$10,000, and 3% of the claim above S$10,000, compared with S$10, S$20 and 1% for individuals.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Resolving Renovation and Construction Disputes in Singapore: CASE, Mediation, Small Claims, SOPA Adjudication, Courts and Arbitration. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
Choose the route by who you are, the dispute type and the amount. Consumers usually start with CASE. Claims up to S$20,000 (S$30,000 by consent) filed within 2 years can go to the Small Claims Tribunals, without lawyers. Contractors owed progress payments under written contracts can use SOPA adjudication. Larger claims go to mediation, the Magistrate's Court (to S$60,000), District Court (to S$250,000) or arbitration.
More questions on this topic
- Can I take my renovation contractor to the Small Claims Tribunals?
- Does CASE mediation cost anything?
- Can a renovation contractor use SOPA against a homeowner?
- My neighbour's renovation is causing noise and damage. Where do I go?
- What happens if my contract has an arbitration clause?
- Do I need to send a letter of demand before going to court?
- What evidence do I need for a renovation dispute?