People residing in HDB flats and housing societies follow certain guidelines and policies that are set by the board for maintaining peace and harmony. HDB has formulated certain guidelines related to keeping pets and for maintaining a peaceful environment among the residents.
Keeping Pets
Most of the HDB residents prefer pets in their houses. Residents keeping pets such as dogs and other animals have to abide by certain rules and regulations set by the Housing and Development Board. HDB has allowed its residents to keep pets in their flats but with certain restrictions.
Dogs: The board allows only one dog to be kept in an HDB flat, but of an approved breed. These dog breeds are generally smaller in size and easily manageable. The list of approved breed of dogs is shown below.
Affenpinscher
Australian Silky Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bichon Frise
Bohemian Terrier
Bolognese
Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxaellois)
Bichon Avanese
Border Terrier
Boston Terrier – Lightweight and Middleweight
Cairn Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Imperial Chin
Chinese Temple Dog (Classic and Miniature)
Coton de tulear
Czech Terrier
Dachshund (Light and Miniature)
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
English Toy Spaniel
Griffon Belge
German Hunting Terrier
Griffon Brabancon
Hairless Dog
Italian Greyhound
Jack Russell Terrier
Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
Japanese Spitz
Lhasa Apso
Little Lion Dog
Lakeland Terrier
Maltese
Manchester Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Schnauzer
Norfolk Terrier
Norwich Terrier
Papillon
Pekinese 61. Welsh Terrier
Pomeranian
Poodle
Pug
Poodle (Miniature)
Schipperkee
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Shetland Sheep dog
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Small Continental Spaniel
Small English Terrier
Small Spitz
Smooth Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Terrier
Tibetan Spaniel
Volpino Italiano
West Highland Terrier
Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Cats: Due to the nomadic nature of this species, HDB does not allow cats to be kept in flats. It is difficult to keep the cats confined in flats as they can cause nuisance such as defecating or urinating or shedding of fur, which may affect the environment of the housing estates.
Other Pets: Apart from cats and dogs, HDB also allows flat owners to keep other pets such as birds, rabbits, hamsters and fishes.
In general, flat owners are not required to seek HDB’s approval for keeping pets in their flats. However, an owner has to obtain a license from AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority) to keep a dog in a flat. Owners not following the HDB animal rules are liable to be fined up to 4,000 SGD. Besides HDB and AVA, dog owners can also seek assistance from NEA (National Environment Agency) and the Police for various dog related issues.
Being a Good Neighbour
For maintaining a peaceful co-existence within the housing estates and high rises, residents should exercise understanding, tolerance and mutual understanding amongst themselves. Arguments arising from trivial issues such as littering, dripping mops or noise disturbances can be easily avoided with a little consideration and restraint.
Under the lease terms set by HDB, a flat owner should act responsibly within one’s flat or common area. The Housing and Development Board can take enforcement actions against flat owners if the person is acting against the Lease Term which can lead to compulsory acquisition of the flat. By observing few simple principles, a flat owner can contribute to the harmony of the housing society. These principles can be summarized as follows:
The owner should show consideration and refrain from causing disturbances such as listening to music and radio at a high volume or watching TV late at night.
Residents should ensure that their children do not make excessive noise while playing inside a flat.
Visitors to a flat should be advised to refrain from anything may cause disturbances to the neighbours.
Large objects or furniture should not be dragged across which may cause noise disturbance.
HDB flat owners should not hang out wet laundry that drips water on their neighbours.
Everyone should refrain from throwing any items from their flats which can injure passers-by.
Those who keep a pet should ensure that it is kept in good condition and trained properly.
Last but not the least flats should be kept clean and tidy without obstructing the common areas.
For solving neighbourly disputes, both the parties should sit together to find a solution that is acceptable to both of them. If this process fails, the parties can take the help of the community mediation centre for resolving the dispute. In certain cases, a party can also approach the police for solution. Nuisances that are related to public health are solved by the NEA (National Environment Agency). In extreme situations, when a dispute cannot be resolved by any means, a private summon may be filed by the aggrieved party to make a complaint to the Subordinate Court’s magistrate. A lawyer may not be required for this purpose. However, the aggrieved party may also consult a lawyer to get advice on the various avenues of legal recourse for dealing with the problematic neighbour.
It is advisable that a flat owner abides by the rules and regulations set by the HDB that can help to maintain a friendly atmosphere within the premises. By following simple guidelines and with a little consideration and understanding many disputes can be averted and a peaceful atmosphere can be maintained.
Source: PropertyGuru
Source: PropertyGuru
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