What is the Defects Liability Period (DLP)?
The Defects Liability Period (DLP) is a designated timeframe specified in the property’s sale and purchase agreement. It holds the developer accountable for addressing and resolving any defects found within the individual units, the overall project, or communal spaces.
These defects may include cracks, stains, or faulty power points. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly inspect your home for any damages, poor workmanship, or missing fixtures/appliances that were not part of the agreed-upon sale and purchase agreement.
If you identify any defects and report them within this timeframe, the developer must cover the costs and undertake the required repairs or rectification works.
It’s important to note that the DLP applies to issues arising from the construction process rather than normal wear and tear.
Related article: Defects inspection for your new BTO/condo home: What owners must know
How long does the Defects Liability Period (DLP) last?
The duration of the DLP varies based on the terms and conditions stated in your property’s sale and purchase agreement.
Typically, the DLP lasts 12 months (1 year) starting from whichever comes first:
- The day you receive your keys (vacant possession), or
- The 15th day after the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) is issued.
Example: If your TOP was issued on 1 Jan but you only received keys on 1 April, your DLP starts on 15 Jan, not April
It’s crucial to note that receiving the TOP does not necessarily mean immediate key collection, and there may be a delay of several months. As a result, you will have a shorter time frame to enter your new home, conduct inspections, and report any identified defects.
Recommended article: Sales & Purchase Agreement: 5 key terms condo buyers must know
What should you do when you identify the defects?
If you come across any defects in your property, here are the steps you can take:
- HDB flats
To report defects in HDB properties, you have two options: Submit a rectification request online through the HDB website or visit the temporary Building Service Centre in person and file a rectification request.
Following your request, the Building Service Centre will schedule a joint inspection. The reported defects will be verified during this inspection, and a contractor will be assigned to address them.
Once the defects have been rectified, a subsequent inspection will be arranged for you to confirm that the necessary fixes have been implemented.
- Private properties
For newly constructed condominium units or landed properties, follow these steps:
- Obtain a defect reporting form from the developer and submit it to report the identified defects.
- The developer should respond within one month and proceed with rectifying the defects.
If the developer fails to take appropriate action, you can inform the developer of your intention to engage a contractor to fix the defects and provide an estimated cost if possible.
In the case that the developer continues to neglect the defects for another 14 days, you have the right to hire a contractor to rectify the defects. Just be sure to keep photographic evidence and detailed notes of the defects as proof, and retain the receipts for the contract work to support your claim for reimbursement from the developer.
Recommended article: Guide to Inspecting Your New HDB Flat
