Things to Take Note before Moving In

Before moving in, there are certain things that you might have to take note. When the developer has done all the necessary preparations to hand over the unit to you as the buyer, the developer will issue a Notice of Vacant Possession. A detailed assessment of the unit upon taking vacant possession is required so as to make sure that there are no defects. You should follow the practice shown in the Sale & Purchase Agreement to correct the flaws if you happen to discover any.

So how is the process like? Well, the developer will, and is obligated to, deliver vacant possession of the unit to you by the date as stated in the Sale & Purchase Agreement. The date stated will be an expected date and actual delivery of vacant possession might take place prior to it. But before that, the developer has to ensure that the unit has been completed such that it is ready for occupancy. The developer will issue a Notice of Vacant Possession when the unit is ready to be taken over.

At the same time, a copy of the Temporary Occupation Permit or Certificate of Statutory Completion issued by the Commissioner of Building Control for the unit, and a certificate by a certified engineer has to be delivered by the developer. The certificate ensures that the unit and the housing project have been completed according to the plans and specifications permitted by the Commissioner of Building Control. And it also ensures that all utility supplies have been properly connected to the unit.

So what does it mean when my unit has detects? The term "defect", under the Sale & Purchase Agreement, refers to any faults in the unit which can either be a result of defective workmanship or materials or the unit not being built according to the specifications as stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement. For units in a stratum subdivided housing project, the term "defect" refers to defects in the common property and housing project. You are recommended to clarify matters with the developer or seek professional advice if uncertain whether there are defects in the unit, the common property or housing project.

The developer is obligated to correct any noticeable defects in the unit within 12 months after you receive the Notice of Vacant Possession. This is known as the defects liability period. You might want to make a thorough assessment of your unit once you take over its possession to make sure there are no defects during this period. If there are defects, you can follow the procedure stated in the Sale & Purchase Agreement to get the developer to repair the faults or bear the expenses of the repair work required.

So what procedures should we follow? Well, write to the developer about the details of the defect first and request for the developer to fix the problem. Take note that the necessary repairs should be carried out within one month after being notified of the defect. If the developer fails to do so, notify the developer of your intent to engage someone to fix the current detect and a rouge gauge of how much will it cost. If the developer still fails to fix the defects after 14 days, you may carry out the repairs and claim the cost from the developer. Any new defects found should be reported first instead of including it in the repair cost of earlier defects.

To ensure that repair works are carried out smoothly, take note that information regarding the defects should be clear and specific and that you have to attend for appointments with the developer or contractors. Also inform the developers about new defects beforehand and shift your furniture away from affected areas to prevent obstruction of the repair work.

These are some of the things and procedures that you will have to take note before moving into your new home. Disregarding these small problems now will lead you to big troubles in the future.

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