Qns On Cluster Terrace But With No Facilities

[miracle 0]

Hi.. i have some queries hope u guys could help me with it..

Some background of the houses:

My parents bought a cluster terrace in the north but it comes with no facilities at all..( eg:no swimming pools,courts,function room..) .

There is only 7 units in this cluster housing, and previously these 7 units is all from the same family. meaning the grandfather bought these place for his sons/daughter... but now 2 units has sold out (1 unit is bought by my parents) . The MC is one of the daughter.. (which wasn't tad friendly to us when we seek her helps on problems ) so hope u guys could help me with it..

1) There is a maintenance/sinking fee to be payable each month. questions is we gotten our keys on NOV 2009 but till now we wasn't ask to arrange payment to paid the maintenance fee yet. Do we start paying when we gotten the keys on NOV09 or after we officially move in ? can we ask for books of accounts on the maintenance/sinking funds? usually if ask for books of accounts would there be any fee involved?

2)we did once ask the neighbors the maintenance/sinking fee that is payable every month..they told us its basically for the electricity on the corridors,the water supply they used it to wash cars , water their gardens and washing the corridor floors.. thou we haven't ask the MC clearly about it but the question is can we actually deny fees that we deem as irrational?

3) we found termite leading from the small windows in the master bedrooms.. the termites specialist told us it would be better if we could just remove the whole windows to prevents it from coming back since its only a small window.. so we went to ask the MC.. she said she will ask the architect and we got her reply saying we cannot remove because the architect said so.. but there wasn't any letter/email from the architect she mentioned.( and this help from her took her 2 weeks to do it den reply to us.) Can we actually ask for references letter from her? or can we actually ask the architect she mentioned our-self?

Thanks in advance..

[yoongf 11]

http://www.bca.gov.sg/BMSM/strata_living.html

To be honest, shd never buy such a property with the MCST being controlled by 1 person who has so much power. Imagine at every AGM, when it comes to a vote, what voting rights is there?

Resolution to use MCST funds to buy $10K hamper for the chairman, how to vote down?

[leechaorui 2]

Since you have already bought the property, it is better to have a conversation with the Chair of the MC to discuss your concerns. I think honest and tactful conversations are important in helping you to resolve this. In the end, it may not be anything that is seriously wrong.

[kardtoon 0]

1) Liability for maintenance fees starts when you legally take over possession of the house, not when you move in. All MCST needs to have their accounts audited annually, so they should have their accounts in order. You can always ask but not sure if they will provide but AGM minutes and audited accounts should be available.

2) Short answer is yes. Maintenance fees is typically a sum that is derived from the expenses needed to run the condo facilities for the year. It's approved at an AGM. You can always challenge the budget during the AGM. Also, what you pay could also include a sinking fund amount which is to provide for longer term repairs and maintenance items (e.g. painting the facade)

3) You should take to her about the architect response. Should seek to understand why the architect says no. Is it not to a free replacement, or it is structurally unsafe (doubt it) or what? Maybe talking to architect directly can help clear this up.

If you don't like her performance in the MC, you can always vote her out at the next AGM, though I doubt in your case you can gather enough votes.

[bepgof 20]

What Yoongf put it ,is right. But done is done. Readup the "strata living" file in the web in Yoongf's msg, will give u some light.

[yoongf 11]

Windows are consider communual property. There is a reason why most new buildings are able to maintain a neat appearance because owners are not allowed to change windows to their own design. The BMSMA empowers the MC to decide accordingly.

There is no need to refer to any architect, since the Act empowers the MC to call the shots.

If the window is no longer required, simply lock it and box up with cement from inside.

It is very useful to familarise yourself with the provisions of the Act. Once competent, then can propose constructive improvements.