Strata Management (Condos and Apartments)
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance.
Singapore National Law
What is this right?
If you live in a condo, apartment, or any strata-titled property, the BMSMA governs the management of common areas and your rights as a subsidiary proprietor (owner):
- Management Corporation (MC): Every strata development has an MC comprising all subsidiary proprietors. The MC is responsible for maintaining common property.
- Management fund and sinking fund: You must pay maintenance contributions — used for day-to-day upkeep and long-term repairs.
- By-laws: The MC can pass by-laws regulating behaviour in common areas (noise, pets, renovations). By-laws must be reasonable.
- AGMs: The MC must hold an Annual General Meeting. You have the right to attend, vote, and raise motions.
- Dispute resolution: Disputes between owners and the MC can be brought to the Strata Titles Boards (STB).
When does it apply?
- You are a subsidiary proprietor (owner) or tenant in a strata-titled development (condo, apartment, townhouse).
- Tenants are bound by the by-laws but do not have voting rights at MC meetings — only owners do.
What should you do?
- Attend AGMs — this is where maintenance fees, budgets, and by-laws are decided.
- If the MC is not maintaining common property, raise it at the AGM or write to the MC council.
- If a by-law unreasonably restricts your rights, you can challenge it at the Strata Titles Boards.
- For renovation works, check the MC's renovation guidelines and apply for approval before starting.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't refuse to pay maintenance contributions — the MC can recover unpaid contributions through the courts, with interest.
- Don't modify common property (e.g., corridor walls, facade) without MC approval — this is a breach of the BMSMA.
- Don't ignore MC notices about renovations or by-laws — breaching by-laws can result in penalties.
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