How much does it cost to apply to the Strata Titles Boards?
The Strata Titles Boards state that the application fee is $500 and covers two mediation sessions. The fee is not refundable, although the Board can decide, after hearing both sides, whether the respondent should reimburse it. Hearing fees and your own costs for experts or lawyers are separate. Lawyers are allowed but not required.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Water Seeping From the Unit Above: Inter-Floor Leaks in Singapore Condos, the Law, Testing and Who Pays. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
In a Singapore strata development, dampness on your ceiling is presumed, unless proven otherwise, to come from a defect in the unit or common property directly above (s 101(8) of the Building (Strata Management) Act). Both owners should investigate jointly, usually with a ponding test, and agree repairs and costs. If they cannot, either can apply to the Strata Titles Boards.
More questions on this topic
- Is the owner above automatically liable for a leak into my ceiling?
- Does the MCST have to fix a leak between two units?
- What is a ponding test?
- Can I claim loss of rental income caused by the leak?
- My neighbour above refuses to let anyone in. What can I do?
- How is it handled in HDB flats?
- Will thermal imaging prove where the leak comes from?