These disputes would require prompt settlement as it distrupts the daily lives of people. Just imagine the action of the management company disconnecting water supply! The National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) had continued to receive complaints on disputes between building owners and management corporations and such complaints had made it onto the top ten complaint list for the past couple of years.

Disputes between these parties would normally lead to many other complex issues where resolution is difficult to come by. While the NCCC welcomes the governments proposal to appoint Commissioners of Buildings, it must also be made sure that their decisions are complied with. No point in developing a centre for redress when its decisions are not taken seriously. 

At the end of the day it would become another Tribunal for Consumer Claim or Tribunal for House Buyers claim where unenforcement of awards has effected their credibility. Overturning of decisions via judicial review would also have to be looked into.   While management companies has the financial backing, it would be iminent that most decisions would be filed in the High Court for judicial review.

This would again frustrate the poor building owner where he might end up paying more that what he has asked for. The NCCC hopes that the relevant ministry would carry our a comprehensive study before it implements the proposal.  

Darshan Singh

Director

NCCC