Developers only liable for
first 18 months
03/12/2007 New Straits Time
KUALA LUMPUR: Developers are only liable for defects for a period of 18
months after vacant possession is taken on a residential property under the
Housing Developers (Control & Licensing Act) (HDA) 1966.
After that, it is the owner's responsibility.
Housing and Local Government Ministry parliamentary secretary Dr S.
Subramaniam said once the liability period was over, the monitoring and
maintenance of a property became the owner's responsibility.
He said before a development could begin, the builders had to submit plans
to the local authority, which had very strict guidelines on development in
sensitive areas.
Under the HDA, he said, architects and engineers are responsible for the
building while it is being constructed.
"After the building is built, the professional, that is, the architect or
engineer, will issue a certificate stating the building was built according
to the guidelines," he said.
Until vacant possession of the property is given, the developer still
maintains responsibility for the development.
"For a condominium or apartment, before the strata title is given, the joint
management committee comprising representatives of the developer and
residents, would be responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the
property," he said.
"Once the strata title is obtained, the owners of the property form a
management corporation to maintain and monitor the property." |