Singapore Couple Wins Case Against Condo Management Over Termite Damage

A couple in Singapore sued their condo management to fix termite damage.

The management said the couple's kitchen installation caused the damage.

The court found that termites in the ground soil caused the damage.

The couple was awarded $8,520 plus costs.

This is the first reported case about condo management and termite prevention.

The couple owns a unit at Freesia Woods in Clementi.

They found termites in December 2023 and parts of their unit were damaged.

The couple sued the condo management for not keeping the soil termite-free.

They said the condo failed to treat the soil and prevent termites.

The condo management said the infestation was not caused by subterranean termites.

They claimed the couple's kitchen installation created a damp environment.

The management said some repair work was not related to termite damage.

The judge agreed with the couple that subterranean termites caused the damage.

The judge accepted the couple's expert but not the condo's expert.

The couple's expert found extensive termite activity in the common property.

The condo hired a pest control company for inspections and treatment.

The condo said there were no subterranean termites in the ground soil.

The pest control owner said it was unlikely for termites to reach the top floor.

The couple's expert said termites could emerge in any unit.

The judge found that the condo management knew about past termite infestations.

The condo had a duty to guard against termite infestations.

The judge referred to Australian legislation on termite prevention.

Australian law imposes a duty on management to maintain common property.

An Australian case held that termite prevention is part of maintenance.

Another case said the duty to maintain includes preventive maintenance.

The couple's expert said a three-pronged approach is needed for termite management.

The approach includes treatment, inspection, and spot treatment.

The judge said the pest control company only acted when termites were found.

The company failed to pick up signs of termite infestation.

The judge found that the condo management failed to keep the soil termite-free.

The judge said the suggestion of unauthorised works was not proven.

The couple had the right to install a sitting area and sink.

The condo management's witness said the installation was not illegal.

The judge said the condo management's conduct was unsatisfactory.

The judge awarded higher costs due to the condo's defence.

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