SingaporeMy neighbour's renovation damaged my wall. Who is responsible?
The neighbour (or their contractor) is generally responsible for damage caused during renovation. Under Singapore law, the owner carrying out works must take reasonable care to avoid damage to neighbouring property.
What the Law Says
The Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act sets out duties for owners carrying out works that may affect neighbouring lots or common property.
Under Section 13 of the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, an owner who carries out renovation or construction work must take reasonable care to prevent damage to any other lot or common property in the building.
This means if your neighbour’s renovation — whether done by them personally or by a hired contractor — caused physical damage to your wall (e.g., cracks, structural weakening, or surface damage), they are legally responsible for repairing it or compensating you.
The duty applies regardless of intent: even accidental damage falls under this obligation if it results from a failure to exercise reasonable care.
Statutory TextAn owner of a lot who carries out any works in or about his lot shall take reasonable care to prevent damage to any other lot or to any common property.
— Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, s. 13 — Duty of owner carrying out works
What to Do
Document the damage with photos, dates, and notes on when the renovation occurred.
Notify your neighbour in writing (email or letter) describing the damage and requesting repair or compensation.
If your building has a Management Corporation (MCST), inform the MCST — they may mediate or enforce Section 13 obligations.
If unresolved, consider filing a claim in the Small Claims Tribunal (for claims up to $20,000) or the State Courts.
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.