SingaporeMy MCST won't fix common property. What can I do?
You can request the MCST to repair common property under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, and if they fail, you may apply to the Commissioner for Buildings for an order compelling repairs.
What the Law Says
The Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA) places a clear duty on the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) to maintain and repair common property.
Under section 29 of the BMSMA, the MCST is legally required to 'maintain, repair and keep in proper repair the common property'. This includes lifts, corridors, staircases, roofs, pipes, and other shared areas.
The law does not allow the MCST to ignore or delay essential repairs — especially where safety, health or structural integrity is at risk. Failure to act may constitute a breach of statutory duty.
If the MCST refuses or unreasonably delays repairs, affected owners have a right to escalate the matter formally.
Statutory TextThe management corporation shall maintain, repair and keep in proper repair the common property.
— Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, s. 29 — Duty to maintain and repair common property
What to Do
Write a formal written notice to the MCST (via email or registered post), quoting section 29 and specifying the defect and its impact.
Allow at least 30 days for the MCST to respond and act — unless urgent safety risks exist (e.g., exposed wiring, collapsing ceiling).
If no action is taken, file an application with the Commissioner for Buildings using Form BMSMA-1 (available on the BCA website).
Attach evidence: photos, prior correspondence, meeting minutes showing the issue was raised.
The Commissioner may issue a compliance order — failure to comply may lead to fines or prosecution.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.