S’pore’s neighbour dispute unit for severe noise and hoarding to be expanded nationwide from Sept 1
These changes will apply to neighbour disputes in both public and private housing estates.
Singapore's Community Relations Unit (CRU) will expand its focus on severe noise and hoarding issues nationwide starting September 1, following a successful pilot in Tampines. The unit, which investigates disputes in both public and private housing estates, will now be able to refer more neighbour disputes to compulsory mediation.
The CRU's powers to issue advisories, warnings, and abatement orders, as well as the ability for officers to install noise sensors, will also be extended. Furthermore, if a person is found to have a mental health condition contributing to their nuisance, they may be required to undergo a mental health assessment or treatment before being referred to the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT).
The CRU handled nine noise dispute cases during its Tampines trial, with four involving mental health issues and one involving deliberate use of noise to disturb neighbours. No hoarding cases were reported in the pilot. Authorities aim to target only the most severe cases that cannot be resolved through mediation or the CDRT, which typically involve excessive and prolonged noise disturbance causing significant distress to multiple residents.
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