SingaporeCan the MCST prevent me from keeping a pet?
Yes, the MCST can restrict or prohibit pets if the restriction is properly passed as a subsidiary legislation under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act.
What the Law Says
The Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA) gives MCSTs the power to make rules about the use and enjoyment of lots and common property — including pet ownership — provided those rules follow strict procedural requirements.
Under section 32 of the BMSMA, the management council may propose subsidiary legislation — such as by-laws — to regulate conduct in the development. These rules can cover matters like noise, cleanliness, safety, and use of common property.
To be valid, any rule restricting pets must be passed by a special resolution at a general meeting — meaning at least 75% of votes cast (by share value) must be in favour. Written notice of the meeting, including the proposed rule, must be given to all owners at least 14 days in advance.
Once passed, the subsidiary legislation binds all owners and occupiers — including tenants — and can lawfully prohibit or condition pet keeping (e.g., requiring prior approval, limiting species or numbers, or mandating leashing).
Statutory TextThe management council may, with the approval of the proprietors by special resolution passed at a general meeting, make subsidiary legislation regulating the use and enjoyment of the lots and common property.
— Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, s. 32 — Power to make subsidiary legislation
What to Do
Check your MCST’s subsidiary legislation (by-laws) — ask the management office or review minutes of recent general meetings.
Verify whether any pet restriction was passed by special resolution (75% vote) and with proper 14-day written notice.
If the rule lacks proper procedure, it may be unenforceable — raise this with the MCST or seek advice from the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) or BMSMA Commissioner.
If you disagree with a valid rule, you may propose its repeal or amendment at the next general meeting using the same special resolution process.
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.