Do I need to send a letter of demand before going to court?
Under the Rules of Court 2021, parties must consider amicable resolution before and during proceedings, and a party should make an offer of amicable resolution before starting an action unless it has reasonable grounds not to. The offer must be in writing and open for at least 14 days unless the parties agree otherwise. A refusal to attempt amicable resolution can count against a party when costs are decided.
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?
- Can a contractor use the Small Claims Tribunals to recover an unpaid renovation bill?
- 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?
- What evidence do I need for a renovation dispute?