Moderator’s note
I (F67) moved into my current HDB flat in April 2022. HDB is the national public housing authority of Singapore
Approximately 3 weeks later, the unit above mine (UUH, aka upper unit harassers) started hammering and drilling 24/7
I’ve sent out multiple emails to HBO and HDB HQ, but they refuse to resolve this extremely simple issue
After 3 years, I decided to harass them. I used a small hammer to hit on their grille gate for 5 days, usually once a day
The third to fifth time I hammered, one of the UUH told me that the RRC (Residents’ Committee Chairman) was going to call the police and arrest me
1. Why are the useless untouchables allowed to get away with their abuse of power – I’m guessing high salaries and nothing much to do.
They are so convinced of their “untouchable” status that they flaunt/abuse their powers openly.
2. What is the point of causing this situation?
3. How many are involved?
I’m told quite a few. Regarding the untouchables, it’s a “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” kind of situation.
Nasty people will never be happy, no matter how hard they pretend to be happy, especially when at the expense of others.
4. For how much longer will those bullies and cowards, aka untouchables and their supporters, be permitted to wreck lives?
How many other lives have they wrecked without their victims being aware, or maybe they are aware but can do nothing about it.
5. Will they be allowed to take revenge because I want peace and I know they can do it easily?
Mediation was first suggested in 2023. I agreed but UUH did not. March 2025 mediation was once again suggested. UUH agreed without hesitation but I did not. Why would I agree to mediation when UUH is supported by RRC and the others?
They didn’t factor in the general elections and are now attempting to pretend things are good.
Once the election date was announced, UUH were advised to be quiet till after the election, when they’d be able to go back to their 24/7 stupidity. UUH were 100% quiet for about 4 days, and then the noise level gradually kept going up.
Seems that they are frustrated with being told to show some restraint for only a short period of time. They are back to their nonsense. I’d like to know who has the integrity to do the right thing.
There must be someone with integrity. I’d also like to know why this idiotic situation has been purposely left unresolved for so long. I’ve contacted various government agencies, but for whatever reason, I’m not aided as I should be.
Expert’s Advice:
Misrepresentation and Sale Under False Pretenses
If the previous homeowner and housing agent knowingly withheld critical information about the upper unit’s ongoing disruptive renovations or harassment, this could constitute misrepresentation in the sale process. Under Singapore law, buyers have a right to receive material facts that affect the property’s livability and value. You may have grounds to seek compensation or annulment if proven.
Action: Consult a property lawyer to review the sale documents and correspondence. You could potentially file a claim against the seller or agent for failing to disclose this information.
HDB Renovation Rules and Noise Harassment
HDB regulates renovation work tightly—permits are required, and work hours are restricted to certain times. Continuous 24/7 renovation noises over years almost certainly violate these regulations.
Action: Document all noise incidents (dates, times, recordings if possible) and formally complain in writing to HDB HQ and the Branch Office again, referencing the specific regulations being broken. Ask for enforcement actions such as stop-work orders or penalties.
HDB Branch Office and Senior Management Inaction
It is troubling if senior officials verbally permitted the upper unit to bypass HDB rules. Abuse of discretionary power by public officials is serious and may violate public service codes of conduct.
Action: Consider escalating the complaint to the Public Service Commission or the Singapore Ombudsman’s Office, which investigates complaints against government agencies and officials. You can also seek help from local MPs who have authority to raise your issue with HDB HQ.
Legal Protections Against Harassment
Noise harassment can sometimes fall under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) in Singapore. If the upper unit’s actions amount to harassment or nuisance, you may file a police report or civil claim. However, it can be challenging without official backing.
Action: Get legal advice on initiating a POHA complaint or civil injunction to restrain harassment. This may compel HDB or the police to act.
Your Retaliation and Police Involvement
While understandable, retaliating by hammering on their gate can be legally risky. The police may view this as harassment or vandalism. It is crucial to avoid escalating conflicts physically.
Action: Focus on documented complaints and legal routes. Seek support from a lawyer before engaging in further retaliatory actions.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Mediation is often effective in neighbor disputes, but it requires both parties’ willingness. Given your concerns about bias from the RRC and the upper unit’s support network, declining mediation is understandable.
Action: However, consider mediation under neutral oversight or with legal representation to ensure fairness.
Mental Health and Government Support
Chronic harassment can severely impact mental health. Singapore offers support services such as community counseling, and mental health hotlines.
Action: Reach out to organizations like the Institute of Mental Health or social service agencies for support during this stressful time.
If the previous homeowner and housing agent knowingly withheld critical information about the upper unit’s ongoing disruptive renovations or harassment, this could constitute misrepresentation in the sale process. Under Singapore law, buyers have a right to receive material facts that affect the property’s livability and value. You may have grounds to seek compensation or annulment if proven.
Action: Consult a property lawyer to review the sale documents and correspondence. You could potentially file a claim against the seller or agent for failing to disclose this information.
HDB regulates renovation work tightly—permits are required, and work hours are restricted to certain times. Continuous 24/7 renovation noises over years almost certainly violate these regulations.
Action: Document all noise incidents (dates, times, recordings if possible) and formally complain in writing to HDB HQ and the Branch Office again, referencing the specific regulations being broken. Ask for enforcement actions such as stop-work orders or penalties.
It is troubling if senior officials verbally permitted the upper unit to bypass HDB rules. Abuse of discretionary power by public officials is serious and may violate public service codes of conduct.
Action: Consider escalating the complaint to the Public Service Commission or the Singapore Ombudsman’s Office, which investigates complaints against government agencies and officials. You can also seek help from local MPs who have authority to raise your issue with HDB HQ.
Noise harassment can sometimes fall under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) in Singapore. If the upper unit’s actions amount to harassment or nuisance, you may file a police report or civil claim. However, it can be challenging without official backing.
Action: Get legal advice on initiating a POHA complaint or civil injunction to restrain harassment. This may compel HDB or the police to act.
While understandable, retaliating by hammering on their gate can be legally risky. The police may view this as harassment or vandalism. It is crucial to avoid escalating conflicts physically.
Action: Focus on documented complaints and legal routes. Seek support from a lawyer before engaging in further retaliatory actions.
Mediation is often effective in neighbor disputes, but it requires both parties’ willingness. Given your concerns about bias from the RRC and the upper unit’s support network, declining mediation is understandable.
Action: However, consider mediation under neutral oversight or with legal representation to ensure fairness.
Chronic harassment can severely impact mental health. Singapore offers support services such as community counseling, and mental health hotlines.
Action: Reach out to organizations like the Institute of Mental Health or social service agencies for support during this stressful time.