The Straits Times published a special report on “The trouble in condos” on 1^st August 2009. It was indeed a good and timely report.

It is true that more people are buying private homes, but few seem to know or care about what it really takes to look after their estates.

While some owners may not have encountered the problems highlighted (say whether to allow maids using facilities or levying a charge for the 2^nd cars), they need to realise that living in private estates cannot and should not be taken for granted. Any lax attitudes may leave condos open to questionable conduct on the part of managing agents, contractors, developers and in fact even council members.

The main stakeholders, that is the condo owners themselves should be prepared to provide some time to scrutinize issues which may affect them. Most owners chose not to serve in the council for many reasons. For those who are, it is mindful that while legal authority may grant the council to rule the estates, it is really the moral authority that rules.

Would it be easier for a condo owner to continue to ignore issues affecting his single largest investment of his life, or start to learn more about strata living and protect his rights?

This is just a matter concerning a change in mindset.