WE BOUGHT a five-room resale flat in Bukit Batok recently. Before completion of the resale procedures, the HDB sent an inspection officer to check for unauthorised renovations in the flat.
As we were not told of any unauthorised renovation, we completed the procedures, purchased the flat and then applied for renovation permits.
But the HDB rejected our application for replacing the full length window in the living room. The reason was that the previous owner had done unauthorised renovation by removing the steel railing at the lower section of the window.
To our surprise, the HDB told us it was our responsibility to check the flat's condition that all renovations done by the seller were authorised and complied with the requirements of the HDB and other agencies.
The HDB insisted that we bear the cost of reinstalling the steel railing, which would cost $800 to $1,000.
We feel this is hard to accept. How could an ordinary buyer have the expertise to ensure that all the renovation works were authorised?
We went to the HDB's branch office but its stand remained unchanged. We sought the MP's help to write an appeal letter to the HDB.
But the HDB said its stand remained unchanged despite admitting that it was an oversight by its inspection officer. We are amazed that the HDB wants us to pay for the mistake made by its officer.
Why were we not informed such a responsibility by the HDB during the resale procedure? How could the inspection officer overlook a full length window in the living room?
Is there a checklist to assist the officer to carry out his inspection? Is it a waste of tax payer's money for the HDB to carry out such inspections since the buyer is made to bear the ultimate responsibility?
Jiang Hai
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