If you’ve just bought a new home in Singapore, you’ve probably heard “DLP” a dozen times: from HDB, your developer, your agent and your renovation contractor. The Defects Liability Period is your window to have defects fixed by whoever built your home, at their cost. It’s also shorter and more procedural than most people expect.
This guide explains how the DLP works for HDB flats, private condos and executive condominiums (ECs): when it starts, how to report defects, what the deadlines are, and what happens once it ends. It’s general information based on official sources, not legal advice. Your own agreement is what counts.
What is a defects liability period?
The DLP is a fixed period after a new home is completed during which the builder or developer has to rectify defects that appear. A “defect” here generally means a fault caused by poor workmanship or materials, or by the building not being built to its specifications. Wear and tear, and damage caused by the owner or their renovation contractor, aren’t defects the developer has to fix.
DLP at a glance: HDB vs condo vs EC
| New HDB flat (e.g. BTO) | New private condo / landed (from a licensed developer) | New EC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 year | 12 months | 12 months |
| Starts | Date of key collection | Under the current standard sale agreement: the earlier of actual delivery of vacant possession, or the 15th day after you receive the documents listed for that stage of the payment schedule* | Same structure as private condos under the standard EC sale agreement* |
| Where to report | Building Service Centre (BSC), online or in person | Developer, by written notice (often through an app such as NOVADE or a defect form) | Developer, by written notice |
| Reporting guidance | Within 1 month of key collection and before renovation | As early as possible; no fixed first-report deadline in the standard clause | As early as possible |
| Repair timeline | HDB says repairs usually take less than 2 weeks | Developer must make good within 1 month of your notice | Developer must make good within 1 month of your notice |
| If not fixed | Follow up with the BSC or HDB | Notice with a contractor’s quote; if not done within 14 days, you can do it and recover the cost | Same as private |
Older versions of the standard private agreement count the 12 months from the date you receive the Notice of Vacant Possession. Some websites say “12 months from TOP”, which isn’t how the current clause is worded. Always check the defects clause in your own Sale and Purchase Agreement.*
HDB flats: how the DLP works
All newly completed HDB flats have a 1-year DLP from the date of key collection. During the year, HDB follows up on items in the flat that need rectification.
The one-month guidance. HDB asks owners to report defects within one month of key collection and before renovation starts. The DLP runs for a full year, but HDB explains that reporting early avoids arguments later over whether a defect came from the original construction or from your renovation works. MyNiceHome describes the same rule as a 30-day window.
How to report. Submit a rectification request online (using the QR code in your Welcome Kit or on the notice in your kitchen) or at the temporary BSC in your precinct. The BSC then:
1. arranges a joint inspection to verify the items;
2. assigns contractors to carry out the rectification;
3. arranges a closing inspection with you once the work is done.
HDB says repairs usually take less than two weeks. If your renovation can’t wait, HDB may rectify during or after the renovation, as long as it doesn’t get in the way. Some minor items can be fixed after you move in.
What’s not a defect. HDB points out that slight colour variations in tiles or timber, and small differences in grout width, are natural characteristics of the materials and aren’t treated as defects.
After the DLP. Once the year is up, you engage your own contractor for repairs, and you can approach your HDB Branch if you need help. Under the Agreement for Lease, owners are responsible for keeping the flat’s fittings and fixtures in good condition.
For the step-by-step BSC process, see our HDB BSC guide.
Private condos and landed homes: how the DLP works
New private homes sold by licensed developers use a standard Sale and Purchase Agreement set out in the Housing Developers Rules. Its defects clause is statutory and gives buyers real rights:
- 12-month DLP. Under the current version, the developer must make good, at its own cost, any defect that becomes apparent within 12 months from the earlier of (a) the date it actually delivers vacant possession, or (b) the 15th day after you receive the documents listed for that stage of the payment schedule.
- One month to fix. The developer must make good a defect within one month of receiving your notice.
- Second notice. If it doesn’t, you can notify the developer in writing of the estimated cost (with a contractor’s quotation attached) and of your intention to have the work done by your own contractor if it isn’t carried out within 14 days.
- Recover the cost. If the developer still doesn’t do the work, you can have it done and recover the cost from the developer. You may deduct it from the sum held by the Singapore Academy of Law as stakeholder.
Because the 12 months can start before you physically receive the keys, don’t put off your inspection. Many developers set their own submission rounds or ask for defects through an app such as NOVADE. Keep copies and screenshots of everything you submit, because written notice matters under the clause.
Executive condominiums: how the DLP works
ECs are built and sold by private developers under the Executive Condominium Housing Scheme. The standard EC Sale and Purchase Agreement has a defects clause that mirrors the private one: a 12-month DLP covering defects in the unit, the housing project or the common property, starting from the earlier of actual vacant possession or the 15th day after you receive the specified documents. It has the same one-month and 14-day steps. In practice, EC owners follow the condo process: report to the developer in writing, keep records, and follow up.
What about defects after the DLP?
Once the DLP ends, the developer’s obligation under that clause ends too. That’s why a thorough early inspection matters. Some points to know:
- HDB flats: repairs after the DLP are generally the owner’s responsibility. Some shared issues, such as inter-floor ceiling leaks, have their own arrangements. See water seepage vs leakage.
- Private homes: latent defects. A latent defect is one that couldn’t reasonably have been found on inspection and only shows up later. The standard clause says the DLP doesn’t excuse the developer from its other obligations under the agreement, and there may be remedies outside the DLP. These are legal questions. If you find a serious hidden defect after the DLP, get legal advice promptly.
- Common property in condos: once the MCST takes over, it deals with common property defects, including any claims against the developer.
How to make the most of your DLP
- Inspect early. For HDB, within the first month and before renovation. For condos and ECs, as soon as you have access.
- Test, don’t just look. Run every tap, flush every toilet, use every switch and socket, and check that floors drain.
- Submit one clear, consolidated list with locations and photos. Vague reports slow everything down.
- Attend the joint inspection, and make sure each item is understood.
- Check the repairs at the closing or final inspection before signing off.
- Renovate after rectification, or at least keep a clear record of the flat’s condition before work starts.
- Report anything new during the year. Some defects, such as seepage, take time to appear.
- Diary the end date and do a walk-through a month or two before it.
Where a professional inspection fits
A trained inspector goes through the home systematically, covering architectural items (seepage, cracks, hollow tiles, fittings), mechanical items (piping, water pressure, drainage, ponding) and electrical items (points and appliances), and gives you a list ready to submit.
Our DLP inspection packages start from $95 (Bronze, 1 trip), $145 (Silver, 3 trips, with joint and final inspections) and $245 (Gold, 5 trips, including a post-renovation inspection). We fill in HDB defect forms, submit through NOVADE for condos that use it, and help with BSC and developer liaison. Condo pricing depends on unit size, so contact us for a quote.
Related reading: when should you inspect your new flat or condo? and the ultimate guide to cosmetic and structural defects.
DLP FAQ
How long is the DLP in Singapore?
For new HDB flats, one year from key collection. For new private homes and ECs under the standard sale agreements, 12 months, with the start date set out in the defects clause.
Is the 30-day rule for HDB a hard deadline?
The DLP lasts a full year, but HDB asks owners to report within one month of key collection and before renovation, so it’s clear who caused each defect. Treat it as the target.
Does the condo DLP start at key collection or TOP?
It depends on your agreement. Under the current standard form, it’s the earlier of actual vacant possession or the 15th day after you receive the specified documents. Older agreements count from receipt of the Notice of Vacant Possession. Check your own clause.
Can I fix a defect myself and claim the cost from the developer?
Under the standard private and EC clause, only after following the process: notice, one month, a second notice with a quotation, and then 14 days. Get advice before doing it.
What happens if I renovate before reporting defects?
Your DLP still applies, but it becomes harder to show that a defect came from the original construction rather than your renovation.
Starting your DLP? WhatsApp +65 8098 2345 to book an inspection.
Suggested internal links: /bto-defect-check/, /condo-defect-check/, /defect-inspection-price/, /hdb-bsc-guide/, /water-seepage-vs-leakage-singapore/, /when-should-you-inspect-your-new-flat-or-condo/, /the-ultimate-guide-to-cosmetic-and-structural-defects-in-new-homes/, /how-to-interpret-your-hdb-condo-defect-report/, /post-renovation-inspection/