{"id":55801,"date":"2022-07-07T11:26:06","date_gmt":"2022-07-07T03:26:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=55801"},"modified":"2024-09-11T16:19:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T08:19:57","slug":"hdb-riser-corridor-common-area-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/hdb-riser-corridor-common-area-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s allowed in your HDB riser, corridor and common areas?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you have ever done HDB viewings, you would’ve encountered flats where the homeowners made the HDB corridor and common area their own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Their interior decor spills out from their house onto the exterior of their flat, where they personalise it with many things from photo frames, plant racks or hanging planters, other quaint decor items or even a weightlifting area (I guess you don’t need to go to the community centre gym anymore).<\/span><\/p>\n

Others treat it as extra space to store their gardening and cleaning supplies, umbrellas, and other bits and bobs they do not want in their house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s the thing: All that extra space? It does not belong to you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Riling up the neighbours\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

It is not uncommon. Many complaints have been lodged over the years about inconsiderate neighbours using the HDB corridor as personal storage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One notable occurrence was this\u00a0<\/span>Simei resident<\/span><\/a> who did not want to pay for storage space, so she lined the corridor with seven fridges.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another homeowner redefined “urban jungle” when she had up to\u00a0<\/span>80 potted plants<\/span><\/a>\u00a0overflowing outside her flat, resulting in the local town council ordering the removal of most of the plants.<\/span><\/p>\n

While it might not bother some people, cluttering the area outside your HDB will\u00a0<\/span>affect the elderly or those who rely on a wheelchair<\/span><\/a>, who need the extra space to navigate the already cramped corridors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So let us break down what is allowed and what is not for your HDB riser, corridor, and common areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

HDB riser<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

What is an HDB riser?<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The riser is the compartment usually found right beside your main entrance door, which houses the breaching inlet, fire alarm panel and fire hose reel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most of us use it as a convenient storage area for odds and ends, such as brooms or umbrellas. Others use it as a personal mailbox for delivery personnel to leave parcels in if no one’s home to receive it or for friends to drop off items.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I have used mine to store leftover tiles and painting supplies from my renovation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also been used for more <\/span>nefarious purposes<\/span><\/a>, such as the storage of dead bodies and weapons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, filling your riser up with items may obstruct access with a fire emergency. Imagine the fire department playing reverse Tetris while a fire rages on nearby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Various town councils have put up notices to inform residents not to use their risers as personal storage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"HDB<\/a>
Source: Tampines Town Council<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Singapore Civil Defence Force also states that access to fire safety and fire fighting provisions are not to be impeded at all times, so anything obstructing the dry riser compartment must be cleared out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"HDB<\/a>
Source: SCDF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HDB corridor<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ah yes, the quintessential HDB corridor \u2013 a permanent fixture that we HDB dwellers take for granted in our urban landscape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We traverse it every day but never stop to take note of the surroundings until something inconveniences us.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

People use their corridors for many activities, including turning it into a makeshift outdoor cafe of sorts.<\/p>\n

\"hdb<\/a>
Fancy a morning cuppa right outside your home?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the SCDF, storing combustible materials along the HDB common corridor is not permitted. Such items include cardboard boxes and newspapers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Source: SCDF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suppose you want your clothes to bask in the glaring afternoon sun. In that case, you may do so, as long as there is a width of 1.2 metres, so that the corridor remains easily accessible in medical emergencies where stretchers or wheelchairs are required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The same goes for shoe racks. None of those huge Ikea storage cabinets in the corridor, thanks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HDB staircases and landings<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some HDB blocks have larger landings and staircase areas, especially older blocks. But this does not mean you have more storage space for your bicycles, or so you can cultivate a green thumb.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My neighbour even has a full dining set (complete with lazy Susan) right outside the lift \u2013 they enjoy the fresh air?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Check out the smorgasbord of chairs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keeping anything at those places is strictly off-limits, as it is usually where the landing valves and hose reels are located.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The lift landing should be clear of any clutter.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Evacuation from a fire also means taking the staircase as an emergency route. Any obstruction could mean the difference between life or death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"HDB<\/a>
Source: SCDF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What if I am in a super high-rise building?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

HDBs with over 40 storeys are classified as super high-rise residential buildings (here’s looking at you, Pinnacle@Duxton).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If a fire breaks out on the higher floors, the first floor may take too long to get to. That is where a refuge floor comes in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Refuge floors are designated floors made of fire-resistant materials that serve as a safe holding area. It can be easily identified by a sign “Fire Emergency Holding Area” displayed on both the wall inside and outside the staircase.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Following the Fire Code*, there is one refuge floor for every 20 floors.<\/span><\/p>\n

*The Fire Code<\/a> was created in 1974 after the Robinsons Department Store fire that year, which killed nine people.<\/em><\/p>\n

SCDF firefighters can also use these special floors to carry out search, rescue and fire-fighting operations, which are well-ventilated for efficient smoke dispersal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At least 50% of the gross floor area must be able to hold occupants temporarily; it can be used as an exercise area as long as the equipment is not flammable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I still want to store stuff in front of my unit<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Well, good news, you can! With HDB’s\u00a0<\/span>Sale of Recess Area Scheme<\/span><\/a>, you may buy the space in front of your flat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n