A cracked facade, water seepage or falling concrete can emerge years after a condominium is completed. But by then, the developer or contractor responsible may no longer exist, leaving Management Corporation Strata Title (MCSTs) with limited options and potentially millions of dollars in repair costs.

So when defects emerge long after the keys have been handed over, who is legally responsible, how long do homeowners have to make a claim, and when does the bill ultimately fall on residents?

Let’s Talk, Singapore speaks with Daniel Tay, Head of Building and Construction at BR Law Corporation, who represented the Waterwoods MCST in its attempt to recover about S$3.9 million for rectification works.