Communal living is common in Singapore where many people live in properties like apartment and condominium where sharing the use of common space and facilities are part of the ordinary lifestyle in Singapore.
To facilitate the communal living in Singapore, many legislations and regulations had been placed to ease the use and the administration of the common properties. However, with the enactment of the legislations and regulations, some terms used may not be easily understood by a lay person. This article is to assist in understanding the commonly used phrase for matters in relation to common issues that may arise from communal living in Singapore.
Understanding Communal Living
Communal living in Singapore encompasses various arrangements, including co-living spaces and shared housing. These setups allow individuals to share living spaces and resources, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
What is a Subsidiary Proprietor?
The meaning of subsidiary proprietor is an individual or entity that owns a unit within a strata-titled property, such as a condominium or apartment complex, in Singapore.
Role of Subsidiary Proprietor
This ownership includes not only the individual unit but also a share in the common property of the development, such as corridors, lifts, and recreational facilities.
What is a Shared Value?
Share value of a property is the figure that represents the shares entitlement assigned to each unit of the development. This value may differ depending primarily on the perceived usage of the common facilities and the size of the unit.
Share value of the property determine the amount of contributions for maintenance that the subsidiary proprietor is required to pay the management corporation of the development. Subsidiary proprietor with higher share value will also have higher voting right in the Annual General Meeting.
Conflict Resolution in Communal Living
Communal living can sometimes lead to conflicts due to the close proximity of residents and shared responsibilities. Common issues include disagreements over noise levels, cleanliness, and personal space. Here, the subsidiary proprietor plays a critical role in mediating these disputes. By facilitating open communication and setting clear guidelines, they help resolve conflicts amicably and maintain a peaceful living environment. Their impartial stance is essential in ensuring fair outcomes for all parties involved.
What is the duty and responsibilities of a Subsidiary Proprietor?
Subsidiary proprietors are responsible for contributing to the maintenance and management of these common areas through management fees and are typically involved in the decision-making processes related to the property’s upkeep and governance.
The duties and responsibilities of a subsidiary proprietor in Singapore typically include:
Maintenance contributions are essential fees paid by subsidiary proprietors to the management corporation. These funds are crucial for the upkeep and maintenance of common areas such as gardens, swimming pools, elevators, and corridors. Regular contributions ensure that these shared spaces remain clean, safe, and functional, enhancing the overall living experience for all residents.
Considerate usage involves being mindful of how your actions affect both your own unit and the shared common property. This means avoiding activities that might disturb neighbours, such as excessive noise or disruptive renovations. It also includes using shared facilities responsibly—like cleaning up after using communal kitchens or gyms and not monopolising shared amenities.
Proper maintenance of your individual unit is vital not only for preserving your property’s value but also for preventing issues that could affect others. This includes regular upkeep tasks like fixing leaks, ensuring electrical safety, and addressing any structural problems promptly. Neglecting these responsibilities can lead to problems like mould or pests, which might spread to neighbouring units, causing broader community issues.
By-laws are rules established by the management corporation to regulate the use of individual units and common areas. They are designed to ensure safety, maintain order, and promote a peaceful living environment. Compliance with these by-laws is crucial as it prevents disputes and promotes community cohesion. For example, by-laws might regulate pet ownership, noise levels, or renovation activities.
What is the duty and responsibilities of the Developer?
The Developer is responsible in setting up the maintenance fund and to constitute the management corporation. The Developer will play the role of the council and to organize the first Annual General meeting and to set up the bank account for the collection of the maintenance fund.
Thereafter, the management and the maintenance of the common area of the development will be handed over to the Management Corporation Strata Title.
What is the Management Corporation Strata Title?
The Management Corporation Strata Title, or commonly known as the MCST is a managing property whose main role is to manage and maintain the common property of the development.
Members of the MCST are usually comprises of all the Subsidiary Proprietors (i.e. the unit owner) of the development and are represented by the council members of the MCST. To be elected as a council member of the MCST, the individual must be at least 21 years old and must be either the Subsidiary Proprietor of a unit in the development or an immediate family who is nominated by the Subsidiary Proprietor).
The council members are usually nominated and elected among the Subsidiary Proprietors of the development and will be in charge of the daily management of the condominium and the organization of the Annual General Meeting (aside from the first Annual General Meeting which is organized by the Developer).
How can we help?
We can assist you to take any legal action against the MCST or other subsidiary proprietor.
However, we do understand that as a subsidiary proprietor of the condominium, taking legal action may not necessarily be the best option for communal living in Singapore. We can therefore assist in arranging for a resolution with the subsidiary proprietor or the MCST to seek an amicable solution for all the parties involved.
