CNA | Talking Point | E21: How to deal with difficult neighbours in Singapore

There are close to 3,500 spats between neighbours in Singapore every year. What's behind these disputes and how can you deal with a neighbour from hell, especially ones that cause constant noise in the middle of the night? Talking Point investigates.
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[@arrowstheorem1881]

It's unbelievable that the noise generating neighbor cannot be handled by issuing a simple warning letter given how authority-fearing most Singaporeans are. It's quite a shame to the system. It shows a flaw and weakness

[@burtonl7239]

Because it comes down to he said she said. They could very well report back on you, especially if you have kids.

[@user-bg2jr8th3q]

HDB should place all the noisy neighbors next to the MPs or next to the HDB higher management's house.

[@michaelli7390]

I do not think HDB can afford to place "all the noisy neighbors" next to most MPs or the HDB higher mgt. hse. for they do not live in HDB areas. Besides, been who they are, they are able to "solve" issues with their higher status connection than much lesser citizens. Govt. people including "police" are more out to hear points of view from MPs and Govt Higher Mgt, as well as big companies higher mgt. than lesser people such as a hawker. Do not expect a common hawker to be able to present his case to authorities better than top people. In some cases, authorities are more afraid of top people than they are "common" people. Sad.

[@tearenx]

such a strange comment

[@michaelli7390]

@Gazpacho Suave Thanks for your dramatic comment. I am in "spore" (I think), let me assure U I have no authority or clue to "solve", still have those "thingy" intact.

[@campkira]

they just killing each other...

[@binyoung7297]

This is a big reason I am afraid of coming back to Singapore. The sound insulation between flats and apartments is so poor that home is not your sanctuary any more.

[@fw68163]

Happened to my parent's place. My advise is do your research, submit the necessary evidences to CDRT, go thru the due process..they will assign you to a mandatory Mediator which is of ABSOLUTELY no use because there is no penalty/repercussion of any sort if they continue...it's just a useless formality before they allow you to proceed to the more formal hearing in small court. THEN if it's proven their fault and subsequently they default again, they can be evicted outta their place. Also please dun submit it in your parents's name because when you go to the small court, they need a translator .. which in my case is an old uncle who just randomly add his own words to whatever was conveyed and block out any words. So just use your own name to submit..but you must be staying in the unit else no choice your parents gotta attend the hearing After that, get the Town Council and SPF to pay a visit to both your place and the neighbor to resolve this. NEVER EVER go to HDB / Town Council assuming they will settle this for you...cux they will play Ping Pong for your case... NEVER EVER go talk to your MP because they will also again play the PING PONG game....talking to them is like talking to MIRAGE....you can see them but they are never really real... But you need to expect at least 6mths ~ 1yr to reach any form of settlement.....our case took 5yrs....yes....5yrs

[@alexsimpk79]

Thanks for sharing, I am really in need right now facing it alone.🙏🙏

[@bentay960]

You say it right. Town council and MP is quite useless. Most sound usually comes from aircon, vacuum. If the eqpt is old and not replace, it create hissing or buzzing sound which can hurt your ears. HDB or bldg management should act on any situation. If it is a considerate neighbour this not likely to happen.

[@DystopicEdits]

HDB has not solved my issue with my neighbours as well. BTO some more, they only "advise" the noisy neighbour time and time

[@danehereford9475]

Here in Los Angeles, a few noise complaints can get you evicted.

[@crisbrackett2067]

Sf was that way too years ago. Now who knows

[@snsdjerry]

this should be in sg

[@radenbahagia164]

Bad attitude - lost of consideration - prevent being a neighbour .

[@radenbahagia164]

Being a good neighbour

[@stud6414]

These aren't renters, I think

[@Gaurav21ify]

We are facing the same problem in Teban block 50. We have 2 month old baby and this new guy moved in 1 year ago with constant drilling inside the house randomly. We complained town council and they advised to keep it within 9 to 5 weekdays for any drilling but this guy keep on drilling till around 6. I am sure the other connected house also face this noise and wonder why not the neighbours join hand to face this problem together? Very sad situation! Singapore with very strict laws have this problem not going away, don’t know what to do

[@alexsimpk79]

Seriously I need help from my neighbor above!!! None seem to work and it got worsening. Prolong exposure to lack of sleep resulting in detrimental effects to my mental health and quality of life. Need Help but it need money during such difficult pandemic period!!!!!

[@pinchofsalt1277]

So the end of this story is, there is nothing you can do about a noisy neighbor.

[@wheelfree]

An eye for an eye.

[@nigelleaaverage]

Pay to get that particular wall sound proofed. The mothers stress is affecting the children.

[@heartthrobheart6288]

It should be done by landlord. That stuff costs a lot

[@burtonl7239]

Cheaper to just get earplugs.

[@darrenpeternazarene5968]

@@burtonl7239 earplugs pun tak cukup kalau ada jiran yang jenis selalu suka menyalak time malam

[@socalgal714]

My first thought was, bang back! With 3 kids I could raise a ruckus! 🤣 But your suggestion is much less controversial. And ya, Mom's reactions are definitely freaking out the kids.

[@Turtleback8024]

@@burtonl7239 Ear plugs are rubbish! I'm sleeping with a pair right now! And I can still hear about 90% of the bangs and thumps!!!

[@paulkami]

So... one whole report later, that family's solution is for their neighbour to move out, and to reveal there's no solution if that neighbour don't. Basically showing how the legal framework is grossly inadequate to deal with such situation whatsoever.

[@burtonl7239]

Such is the case with most civil disputes. It's not a criminal matter. Be careful if you wish for. If Civil methods can be weaponized, the neighbor can very well complain back on the family and get them kicked out too. Since they have kids, they ought to generate some noise as well.

[@dianaahakim2001]

This is why I want to be rich and live in a bungalow house. People can be so incorrigible.

[@lucretius8050]

Ok

[@AbdulMajid-bc6xf]

With 100++ complaint why the hdb did not do anything . All house orners pay money to hdb n town counsel . Why take so long to respond.

[@trzagor2769]

There is a way around this issue!!! Those who can't respect their neighbors don't deserve to stay in such accommodation!!! you can't ask decent people to move out as a solution!!! That is wrong and outrageous!!!

[@burtonl7239]

There are no decent people. The other party could very well be annoyed at you for some other thing and consider themselves the decent one.

[@fredmad4988]

Hdb should make a system of punishment, those who violated the noise ban after midnight for a number of times should be moved temporary to downgraded flats.

[@jessiejames7492]

the best thing hdb can do for its home dwellers is to make better flats. more reinforcements and maybe sound proof . peopel suffere through no fault of theirs.

[@jibakuchan]

Worried about the time needed to resolve a dispute, I read six months is a typical duration, to me already very long period. Will there be anyone to guide us through all the legal mumbo jumbo? Meanwhile you and your love ones are still suffering, what if the noises continue during this period? Need to fork out more money to take measurement of noise level again? Are the other party liable to pay for the cost for the victim to hire professionals and the equipment to measure noise level as proof? Are these expenses consider as damages? Damages of what? Property only? If not, why? What if the victim has financial difficulties and cannot even afford CDRT to start? We are the one being harassed and deprived of comfort in our home by outsiders. Too little information. Now it's 2021, what has changed? How's the public awareness? Noise bullying affects mental health immensely, does the gov not care? As a developed country isn't it the responsibility of the gov to take care of it's citizens welfare? Sound proofing is not feasible simply because it is too expensive for most. When the upstairs neighbour starts banging and dragging on the floor which is your ceiling it is much much worse comparing to a wall, you have nowhere to escape the noises. I am having depression thanks to these actions. I'm living alone now, my mum happens to be out of the country with my sis when COVID hits, still I cannot even think to have her come back anytime in the future to suffer like me too. She has hypertension. During COVID My upstairs neighbour rented out the flat and have at least four perhaps up to six occupants/tenants in the apartment. Maybe even more if nobody's checking, in my experience HDB didn't even check properly the actual site. Sg gov turning our residential homes into foreign workers dormitories by allowing flat owners to rent out but did nothing to protect citizens from their noise pollution, at least never easy to evict them. If you are unlucky you get air pollution too when these workers start cooking. Half of the day I am away to work, when I get back home to rest I never have a single moment of peace and quiet lasting more than 15 minutes. Getting jolt awake by loud noises and vibrations has become the norm, this is no healthy lifestyle. Do not tell me they are unaware of the noises they made, complaints were made and they including the flat owner simply doesn't care. Sg gov urges tolerance of foreign workers, what about the citizens in their very own home getting tormented by their behaviour? How is this acceptable? Pls hear our voices and reach out to us.

[@cedyong8009]

This CNA article on Singaporean neighbour disputes is extensive, but it doesn’t list how dismissive Singaproean agencies like the police or HDB can be when approached for help. Neither does it highlight the baffling processes of CDRT, and how at every turn, CDRT staff will tell you to seek private legal counsel for advice or future action. Or that most lawyers in Singapore wouldn’t even respond to a query email, when you do hunt for their help. Or that your MP will completely ignore you after a while, no matter how you plead.

[@alexsimpk79]

Anyone setting up a community on our own against such incidents?? I feel so lonely being victimised by such neighbor and feel we need to do something to assist each other instead.

[@mamaiabd5748]

follow!

[@hironyx]

town council, hdb and police all dont do anything. had this problem myself for years, town council ppl even tell us to move out if we cannot tahan. hello, u think i wont move out if i have the money? you give me money to buy new house la, talk so bloody much. even go mediation already, neighbor talk nice nice say they will try to reduce noise level, come back home liao still like that.

[@burtonl7239]

Maybe they hear your noise too. So theirs is retaliation.

[@Turtleback8024]

@@burtonl7239 Rubbish! If that was the case, wouldn't the neighbour say so during mediation? That's a feeble comment!!!

[@kadenlim4347]

I can relate to that

[@jessiejames7492]

so true. no one can or will help. even that guy that was featured in the straits times. he did everything the courts and authorities told him to do. still no action taken on the perpertrators. from the latest i have hears. 3,500 spats and hdb residents suffering through no fault of theirs ..

[@rf9164]

There are products for noise insulation that are usually put into the wall that separates apartments. These are usually part of the building construction standards of some countries. I live in an apartment and have 11 neighbours on my floor but I never hear them at all. The insulation is also between floors so also very little noise too. Pity hdb Singapore does not make this a requirement for new buildings.

[@rosamariamendoza1466]

It's all about cutting corners and saving money in construction.

[@princevaliant]

@@rosamariamendoza1466 Obviously under the recent leadership of the last few ministers, HDB had not been doing their jobs properly when it comes to inspections and many housing buildings have very poor noise filter efficiency. Regardless how other ministries work hard, I won't vote for the ruling party because there are some of these ministers who just don't do their jobs properly....the agencies under them really preformed poorly HDB....LTA.....to named a few.

[@user-cq3bm2vp2o]

​@@rosamariamendoza1466aka corruption

[@818pang]

My upstairs neighbours are handicapped retiree (with stroke) living with son, they are very pitiful. I tarik-tarik do not wish to complain to HDB, but the noise of draging furniture, gym ball rolling and step thumping were so loud and intermittant during night sleeping times. I was awaken up by such noises and cannot sleep thereafter. His son was naughty during teenage and liked to light up the "Pop" cracker during Chinese New Year at our door step. I am so gracious to help them returning their drop-off laundry to their door step. But my tolerance has limit. I complaint to HDB in first time and no improvement. Then, I complaint again to keep my MP in the loop and requested HDB officer to pay them the visit and convey our message. After they knew that I made a complaint, they were not happy and denied wrongdoing and accused me to make false allegation to them and bully the handicapped person in front other neighbour. My conscience is clear and strongly believes in karma.

[@nats3160]

my neighbours are loud neighbours that are old and shout at each other everytime and the lady always ding a bell!the arguments are funny tho

[@kridadounsattapong1533]

Urgh entity sell brb ,. Approximate guess

[@tinatan2031]

Older people tends to be hard of hearing too,probably that’s why they’re loud,

[@dwichiesa]

"Unintentional and a result of his lifestyle" - Making me more curious and would want to get his perspective

[@Turtleback8024]

Good thing that he moved out!!! I say good riddance!

[@YeahAkka]

It made me feel glad living in a small town in Indonesia where the people are still tolerant and help eachother🙂

[@NAEL782]

Same in malaysia

[@SinSnxpes]

dont come to singapore lol the prices here are shit and way to expensive. a 3 room public housing flat can easily cost you like $300K to $500K ish (average)

[@SinSnxpes]

A regular 3 storey terrace house can cost you over $1 million....

[@xcre8ionx]

Hahaha dont be ignorant.. This is global problem.. Didn't mean it do not happen to you it didn't happen in your country.. I am happy with my neighbors..

[@vincecarlo]

Cos so Many IMPORTED ppl Bring their 💩 Culture over

[@pwkhang]

Noise is such a big issue in close community living space like Singapore. Build quality Of HDB is so poor, I can hear every single footsteps from my neighbour above, as if the slab is build from wood...

[@vincestone5083]

I find it quite odd that the authorities in Spore are at a loss to solve such problems! Especially those involving placing items in the common area. If this is allowed to go on people can take over common areas!

[@paulzhuang5712]

Been thru this myself, for 5 years. It was living hell. Let me tell you that HDB, Town Council, CMC, Police all CMI. You just have to move out and thats what we did and pray hard your new place doesnt have similar issues. But on hindsight we appreciate our current place alot more

[@user-cq3bm2vp2o]

retributions be upon hdb, police, town council and mediators.

[@11963able]

*neighbours bang wall, make loud noises* YP= u think u loud issit? *YP turns on beng music on JBL Xtreme whole night* Trust me... a week of this speaker at full blast in the middle of the night, the neighbours will be pleading for your forgiveness😂😂😂

[@burtonl7239]

They might actually enjoy the music. Meanwhile, you become hearing impaired. Congrats, genius.

[@11963able]

Earplugs does an excellent job in this scenerio tho

[@SuccessforLifester]

Town Council, the word council means that they will help to manage the town like a village head. But they are quite inept when it comes to such issues

[@MsOoxinjie]

I hope u can join Town council and handle it

[@SuccessforLifester]

@@MsOoxinjie No lah, they need someone who can carry 100 kg of wheat on one shoulder and walk for 5 km.

[@hanwendythelegend]

They should just change their name to Miscellaneous or Conservancy Collection Agency cos until now idk what's their role around here besides getting conservancy fee. Can't even upkeep the neighbourhood - so many complaints on mouldy paints. Ppl have to take to the media before these agencies actually do sth. Disgraceful.

[@AA-xo4br]

Yes it is such a helpless feeling. I can understand why some neighbours take matters into their own hands because just a social concept of “neighbourliness” will not ensure peace and harmony in the neighbourhood. Singapore has been successful so far because of her clear laws. She needs more clarity in this area at this moment.

[@carioke16]

I don't have any bad neighbours, because my whole family is the noisy neighbours.

[@campkira]

i gave them the whole build with different floor and they still management to fight..in the end they move out and buy their own house... l

[@shaysl89]

Im in the same scenario for years, HDB is useless, they will say its police problem, police will say its HDB problem, they can try to talk to your neigbour and thats about it, if they continue, they cant do anything. What makes it worst is that my neigbour rents out their flats to various people, and they keep changing, so at the end of the day, just know that im sorry but no one will help you, what i feel works is treat them like how they treat you. Fight back! Make their living as bad, Good luck.

[@michaelli7390]

To commit something bad as a solution to something bad is not right. I totally understand your helplessness. Many times I encountered same roundabout from authorities. In some instances, the authorities were unwilling to act because the other party claim association to people of authorities. For general knowledge, IOs in police can have their cases over-ruled and squashed by higher officers such as the commanders without further actions in the regular morning reviews, resulting probably that passing out to other agencies excuses. Meanwhile, the problem continues. I have no solution but I suggest doing bad things in return is not right.

[@bessglazzardtay123]

@shaysl89 I understand how it feels, I'm encountering the same problem right now.

[@AA-xo4br]

Yes it is such a helpless feeling. I can understand why some neighbours take matters into their own hands because just a social concept of “neighbourliness” will not ensure peace and harmony in the neighbourhood. Singapore has been successful so far because of her clear laws. She needs more clarity in this area at this moment.

[@coratheexplorer1824]

Hmmm blame the developer of that high-rise building for not putting a, soundproof wall.. Stupid architect did not think about the noise.

[@Turtleback8024]

It's not even a case of not thinking. They simply don't give a two flying hoots! For as long as they make money, that's what counts. Greed is evil!!! So is the love of money!!

[@h3llonizzam]

My neighbour makes noise from above at night. But I stay on the top most floor. And there's noone living on top.......

[@Chloe-hf3gm]

What kind of lifestyle requires u to hit the walls though

[@zenniz1992]

Exciting lifestyle when you have 1 healthy couple living there

[@Turtleback8024]

@@zenniz1992 What a feeble comment!!!

[@cheekycheekybambam]

Omg so stressful... Thank god for my nice neighbours..

[@crisbrackett2067]

That's one of the reasons I live in the mountains. Id be out my door braking his door down and someone is going to jail or the mourg. Thank God for mountains.

[@wannaberedneckprepper7030]

True zen indeed!!! I love my mountains.

[@Turtleback8024]

That's why I'm buying land in away from the city buzz!!! I can't do neighbours no more! Let the birds of heaven be my neighbours!

[@Kays_Customs]

This doesnt just affect HDB.. I used to live on private property and my next door neighbours were a really crazy family that would shout and scream at each other in the middle of the night and be very disrespectful to both their neighbours, me and the house 2 down.. No one in the neighbourhood liked them and never greeted them. Police were called countless times on them for noise complaints and disputes. So anyway growing up and turning into a rebellious teen gave me the courage to hurl a balloon filled with red paint at their family car. Of course police investigations happened but no one ever figured out it was me and everyone in the neighbourhood were all happily uncooperative with helping them in any way. Couple of weeks later i chained their gate with a bicycle lock which they had to call a locksmith to help undo and made them all late for their morning appointments. Same thing happened all over again, neighbours uncooperative to help and police just halfheartedly conducted an investigation. That family had a reputation among the staff of the neighbourhood police post after all. One fine day i was surprised to find out police conducting investigations for a brick smashing their living room window as i knew it wasn't me. A couple of weeks later, police investigations about car tyres being punctured by nails. Turns out i may have started some sort of mob justice against them. Probably the best story was when they got chained into their house with MULTIPLE locks and had their whole house bombarded by bad eggs and many little bags of smelly contents which i could only imagine was faecal matter or rotting food. That definitely was some sort of group effort. Anyway this went on for about nearly a year until they finally moved out with little fanfare. Their place had been sold and renovations were MUCH noisier for awhile but the new neighbours that moved in were really nice and everyone welcomed them warmly.

[@jessiejames7492]

good for you !

[@biibikiki1304]

How can someone be so cruel ??? Town council wake up and do your job. I have a super noisy neighbor as well, they always slam the door and the kid was making so much noise. Since the unit was rented they dun care if they are causing other people inconvenience.

[@fredmad4988]

Its always rental tenants giving problems.

[@alexsimpk79]

Anyone can advice if I need a noise monitoring, or just cameras with sound recording will do as evidence??!!🙏🙏 How do I contact CNA to have such experience share to public?? That's the only way to seek justice as well. I had such neighbor confrontation by shouting while looking back when he stared at me already!!

[@alansubramanian2390]

I had such a neighbour. Moved out and bought a private property. Best move done in 1991. But at that time property price was low.

[@ProfessorElectronic]

We should change our policy when handling disorderly behave neighbor. Someone who keep banging on the wall at night should be assumed to have psychiatric problem and need to be send to IMH for medical investigation.

[@orionsquare]

The major cause of this noise pollution is overcrowding and over population. Being in constant proximity of large numbers of people around you 24/7, some of whom are not very considerate, would drive anybody insane.

[@eirugsiongriffiths8563]

In Wales, action can be taken against a tenant that causes a disturbance to its neighbours, and if they continue with it, they can be evicted.

[@vincecarlo]

4G that Runs the Country are Way To WEAK to do Jack

[@chenwangyitian6964]

I really understand the pain that your family feels. I am in the same plight as you are except that mine is from upstairs. I have been startled awake every single day and night. In fact i think a lot of people are facing the same problem but have no proper channel to turn to. People from HDB will only patronize you, people from town council would not stepped in. CMC does not have any legal authority to execute anything. Ultimately, it is us, the VICTIMS who either have to hire professionals to measure the noise and that will be a long battle. Perhaps having a team of noise measurement professionals with proper equipments in HDB or in town council would have deterred / prevent such incidents.

[@TheRealAzfar]

My neighbour kept knocking their ceiling with a broom or bamboo pole whenever my family would go to the service balcony as our fridge is there. Or when we hang our laundry, my neighbour would hang theirs too but with extra bangs on the poles before hanging it. Been more than 10 years but we ignored it.

[@lucretius8050]

Shifting chairs, closing doors, washing machine etc. If it really annoys you it might be wise to just have a chat with the neighbour, sometimes one isn't aware of noises from day to day actions.

[@twist777hz]

The bane of high-density living. I assume HDB walls were constructed deliberately thin to allow heat to escape but the flip side is this

[@burtonl7239]

@Asleep Awake It's public housing. The whole point is to make em cheap. So it is not incorrect design. That is the design.

[@EfficientTrout]

The cost of living cheap, sort of. Condos have much thicker walls and better sound insulation.

[@yuenhai]

Wait, so he's saying the loud banging on the wall at midnight were unintentional and were due to his lifestyle? What sort of lifestyle causes you to bang on the wall at midnight?

[@chaoticlife311]

rock music?

[@noeminoemi1350]

It's what happens when you live in shoebox flats and not in a detached home.

[@Turtleback8024]

...and then you get a neighbour's dog barking all night! And the neighbour throws a party every second day!!! Shoebox or not, public noise knows no housing setup.

[@3syl3]

I can feel them. My current upstairs neighbour who moved in last year August like to slam the door so hard almost everyday. Can hear heavy footsteps, dragging of furnitures what not. Hdb can’t do anything.

[@Turtleback8024]

I'm going through the same hell here!!!😢

[@EfficientTrout]

can relate, the door slam, heavy objects dropped to floor... i am hearing this everyday wearubg earplugs helps a little but i wish i dint have to wear it.

[@ping.420]

The angmoh has a Singaporean accent hahaha

[@leanntakahashi5217]

Ya lah!

[@jessiejames7492]

the professionals can talk all they want. if the perpertrators dont want to attend mediation there is no law to force them. sickening. then the one suffering is asked to go and make a ciivil complaint . so much stress and money spent. time....and in the meantime the perpertrators can continue with their unlawful actions. even if the courts give them awarning , if htey continue, the one suffering has to go to court or call the police. the police will ask you to call your lawyer, the lawyer ask you to call police. ! i have been there.! what is hdb doing to help sufferers?

[@RayMak]

Neighbors from hell

[@luviox]

Literally LOL🤣

[@andrewkarsyn3991]

sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know of a method to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@gradygavin9917]

@Andrew Karsyn instablaster =)

[@andrewkarsyn3991]

@Grady Gavin i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@andrewkarsyn3991]

@Grady Gavin it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out!

[@toraltoral1129]

Why can't evrryone just live in harmony and in peace!

[@SIedgeHammer83]

because some people just enjoy watching others suffer.

[@fredmad4988]

narcissists need to live on others sufferings ,this is the real pandemic.

[@fedya457]

the neighbours below us kept using a pole to bang on their ceiling we ignored it and after a few more reoccurrences our neighbour below decided to talk to us and apparently they kept hearing a heavy metal object being dropped and then dragged on the floor at night at around 11pm - 5am and they used the pole to bang on their ceiling as a sort of warning.our downstairs neighbour even said that the household next to them also heard those noises until their daughter who is a poly student could not study at night and even had a breakdown due to the noise

[@antaxari]

Then what was that heavy metal actually?

[@rudylopez5060]

From this episode, we can conclude that terror neighbours who apparently banged walls, splash water, shouting the whole day for no reason, have real mental issue problems. Their mental health behaviour has gone upper hand. They need to seek treatment at the soonest.. the fact is, govt agencies don't even care.. it is happening elsewhere in most countries..

[@michaelli7390]

Hey. think properly about your call. That opposition voice in parliament may unlikely be able to solve your issues. It may be the mental health professionals U need to take to task. Progressive thinking has allowed more and more mental health persons to be released back into society citing the best way to integrate them. The tolerance level thus has been for the public to bear. These persons can get away with a host of things (even murder) and the authorities know it, so they are reluctant to act, as the cases will end up nowhere. I personally am not impressed by any opposition to solve any issues. All the capable Singaporeans are either PAP or enjoying life that their brains entitles them.

[@hanwendythelegend]

Yes everything destructive done in a HDB flat is legal because no agency can step in, including police

[@mahdiyussuf9804]

Was this neighbor possessed or something?! What a fookin weirdo! I feel for the poor family. I'd have waited for the bastard to come out his door if he wasn't answering me.

[@peach-hd7ko]

Am I the only one curious why the neighbour keeps hitting the wall? Especially at sleeping hours in the night?

[@sr-de5nz]

1:51, someone thrown out from the balcony?

[@yangchuyou2356]

I use the laundry pole to hit the wall back when my neighbour makes noise at night then they actually hit back harder then it keeps going on and on as though the one who stops first loses

[@niwasazuke]

My Family use to live in an apartment and the struggle living in a plce where you sharing walls ceiling name it to others specially annoying neighbors is worst. Thats why after years we bouth a house right away. I hope the strusture for the upcoming year will not be like this the children are being traumatized. Poor babies

[@NkoDmtryPoletv]

How is Singapore one of the most liveable cities I ask now?

[@Darkseid.of.Apokolips]

Livable for the rich and elites

[@azack3987]

Dont judge by just watching one video. Nothing is perfect in this world. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpaadKmdbZaMd5o

[@NkoDmtryPoletv]

@Lee David go cry I can send you tissues... Or you can tell it to your mom either

[@NkoDmtryPoletv]

@@azack3987 did I say there's perfect in this world? Don't put words into my mouth

[@biggiesmol]

These are exceptions.

[@arrowstheorem1881]

This seems like a flaw in the system

[@burtonl7239]

No really. There is just no system. It's a bin to lump all the lower class ppl in one place. Systems are for elites.

[@mohamadshafiq9351]

just called entire rest of your neighbourd to confront rude neighbours, in Malaysia we have Persatuan Penduduk, and just say this in meeting of neighbourdhood meeting , and they will settle it

[@burtonl7239]

They just said HDB don't do anything.

[@najeehaamid5194]

What kind of lifestyle requires banging walls midnight onwards?

[@sonnee44]

*Yay new Talking Point* 👏👏👏

[@Dokumai]

How HDB estates are designed also contribute to noise pollution. I lived in an estate where the blocks are arranged in parallel rows, creating a “valley” in between. Common facilities like playground, courts are positioned in the “valley”. There are no big trees or shrubs to absorbed the noise. Children screaming from far away could be heard clearly from the highest floors as the noise are bounced off the “valley”. To stay sane, i have to keep the windows closed most of the time. I used to lived just next to the noisy expressway. The traffic noise is also loud but it is far less annoying than screaming kids, crying babies and people talking.

[@faithkityee4436]

My dad sleeps in the day and works at night as a taxi driver.. its very dangerous for him as he is on the road. But the neighbour upstairs keeps dancing in the day, making a thumping nose

[@joshualee8151]

LOL i had a neighbors in a mobile home park in the usa (not in singapore)... had my music on around 2pm had turned it off n 5 minutes had 4 cops banging on my door... being buttholes saying im knocking pictures off the walls of someone across the street 3 houses down.. i had the cops come in n i turned it on n came outside n they didnt hear the music hardly at all... even the neighbor next door woken up came out n said he didnt even hear it cuz he was sleeping... n the other guy across the street said those neighbors are naggy pricks n beaches... cops felt stupid... told me to go inside my house b4 i get arrested for no apparent reason other them looking stupid! same city another cop took off his badge n gun belt wanting to bodied me cuz he coudlnt get me for anything at all LOL ya he was a mma fighter and he was 6'4 n 260 against a 160 pound 5'10 male LOL

[@bienkee5278]

So inconsiderate of the neighbour to bang on the wall. Such selfish attitude and causing so much anxiety & stress to the neighbour. Hope they get a solution to their problem.

[@kynetan8945]

There are many such inconsiderate neighbours around. But Hdb , town council and the police cannot do anything about it

[@burtonl7239]

There is an elegant solution. Every night, huff some glue and eat some catfood.

[@jessiejames7492]

why arent the MPs bringingout laws regd this. HDB has rules but no one follows and HDB doesnt act except to say they dont evict any tenants. its like saying ' we dont care, your problem!'

[@zulaikhazainiddin7184]

Facing the same issue!

[@AbdulRasheed-yw4ri]

Sameeeeeeeeee

[@umisarah3680]

been there done that, it was my longest 5 years just because i had a bad neighbour, they were actually making some damn ritual in front of my rent house to make me felt uncomfortable and pack my things from my rent house. they always play some dangdut music in a highest volume, like damn dude, i need to sleep :'( .it was a scary and bizzare experience 🙃

[@br4infrezz339]

Ada tuh RT di tempat gw sampai tengah malam dangdutan gila susah tidur. Yang rayakan ramai pula 😅

[@coklaternusu]

Thats so sad , a noise that acceptable to me if they make love together, other than that noise , i cant take it 🤦‍♂️

[@celestialstar124]

If it's only some loud noise few times a night I can cope with ear plug during my bedtime. Been using a ear plug for 4-5 years after a new neighbor move in. The uncle like to stab on the harden soil of his potted plants between 12-2am regularly. Luckily for me it just stop that without other annoying problems. But my parents refuse to use earplugs thus are more affected by the noise.

[@markshippo]

This program started out at 2:00 stated what causes these disputes and what can be done. But the program just lay out all the problems with no real solution. Not for Aida, not for families faced with abusive neighbours, screaming children & flats with proven hollow walls. Not from HDB, Town Council nor even mediators. What’s the point in this Talking Point??

[@joenalynsemira7729]

Yeah try to live with us where our neighbours upstairs just walking makes me have anxiety attack. And boy she/he walks early in the morning or late at night. I mean dunno how big she/he is but it causes me anxiety. I suggest these kind of neighbours should be have records and banned them in getting higher floors but put on lower floors where they can’t bother other people.

[@suziewan115]

Just transfer all the neighbours from hell to Sentosa Island

[@hjon9119]

my neighbors can really make a lot of noise when they make out but I got used to them.

[@skylim8491]

Have the exact same problem daily Almost hv Herat attack sometimes Apart from noise many antics too Complain May years till to effect HDB guy asked me to be tolerant as “different people have different lifestyle” Many years ongoing drama till I just bear with it Now my sleeping patterns is the same timing as their noise Everyday wakes Rnd 4plus Nd I have kids to look after and I do need the proper rest

[@princevaliant]

Most of the neighbor complaints involved neighbor having mental disorder that creating problems. I have always wonder why some flats have very good noise reduction walls and some have such poor noise reduction walls especailly the newer built flats... If HDB can't handle such disputes and make sure contractors not cutting corners then its time to change leaderships.

[@raigan27]

my neighbor walk to his door and take a look at me everytime i open the door or come back from home, really too free nothing to do

[@EfficientTrout]

there should be mandatory floor padding for these building with thin ceilings and walls

[@0001Mxrcel]

got an idea: make all the “bad-bad” neighbours near each other so they feel how annoying each other are lolol

[@MrNamesNoMore]

What sort of lifestyle need bang wall so loud sia.

[@wyvernish]

Chua Koktung at night some more

[@meijunlim5625]

@@wyvernish i remember my friend told me that he was staying in East Coast, in the middle of the night, he can hear banging sounds, like playing tennis sounds banging on the wall. He finally confront the up stairs neighbour and found out that his son would do training of tennis in the middle of the night. He could not stand the noise, end up talk to the owner and move out less than 2 years.

[@dennischen8887]

at night with the walls banging? Hmm, I can think of an obvious one lol

[@nocturnally879]

Could not "give and take"...That's why..

[@simplythinking4805]

If the noise is being carried to neighbours because of the density buildings, the resident who is making the noise should be educated on this so that he is more aware of the implications of his noise-making in Singapore. The government is responsible for city planning so it should take on the responsibility of educating the HDB and condo residents that the noise travels more adversely in Singapore because of the high density. Currently HDB and NEA are not doing this. The present government is extremely irresponsible in not taking effective action against noise pollution which is set to grow because of incessant construction of new buildings, continually increasing the density. Despite the fact that it is the no.1 complaint of HDB residents, they take a hands-off attitude, the same way that they did not take any action against people who use PMDs on pedestrian pathways for many years despite accidents and fatalities; and the way they bungled the C19 situation - the present 4g government is extremely ineffective because of its indecisiveness, unlike the predecessor (PAP dominated) governments.

[@minyuan86]

Remember the Joo Chiat place incident in the early 2000s

[@jemimychannel7893]

I have the same issue with my neighbours as well... im living Kuala Lumpur hmmm But as Property Management Staff.. i totally what makes all this noises are even getting noisier at midnight Its due to the materials of wall hmmm ASK DEVELOPERS AND STATE COUNCIL what kind of material that been used to build that flat

[@judithlimyg5838]

Oh in Malaysia it's even worser. You can hear your neighbors running up and down 24hrs a day even though they are staying 2 floors above you. Some of my neighbors said it's because the developer built the walls and ceilings too thin. Mind you it's not just the cheap apartments which are affected by defects. Even high end properties in Malaysia are reported to have poor waterproofing and the entire condo is leaking from floor-to-floor. And just because you are buying a million-dollar building from a developer or agent there's no guarantee there's no defect in it. Everything looks good on paper and in advertisements. But wait till you buy or rent and moved into a unit. And then you will realized the doors are thin and hollow,etc,etc.

[@jessiejames7492]

its no different in singapore. and we pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for our flats! bloody hell

[@samesamebutnotsame1172]

This news is for any resident in singapore or continue from boon lay? I really wonder

[@zhibinliu7263]

So what happened in the end ? Problem solved or not. I really pity the poor boy who went through lots of trauma

[@burtonl7239]

Dun pity. It's good to grow up with some adversity.

[@xunyijun5156]

@@burtonl7239 @ Burton, could you imagine yr sleep been interupted in long term? Its not funny.

[@PP-vf1kx]

Want to know what happened?...subscribe

[@polarspirit]

Thank god I live in modernised hdb. Old flat housings seem to be separated with just a piece of thin wall between them

[@danialmazlann]

I personally feel old flats are better. Some old flats have their homes seperated from their neighbors in between Dry Risers. New flats are literally side by side. Can hear what the neighbors are talking about

[@crystal8537]

New flats are worse. Old flats are more concrete and more soundproof. Many adults think this way too

[@crystal8537]

@@danialmazlann ya! And even DIRECTLY OPPOSITE each other! U can literally see everything in your neighbours' living room clearly

[@goldengirl1212]

Mediation. It help me. After more then 1 year of stress from harassment from my neighbor from hell, it help. Alot. My torture is over. God bless the mediators.

[@huiling7947]

cld you share how to go about Mediation?Thanks.

[@tanjames9849]

Sound CAN ALSO reflect/bounce between blocks of flats. Sound emitted at 1storey will be heard louder at 12 storey in the opposite flat instead at 1st, 2nd or 3rd, for example. In the middle of the night one can hear conversations at ground floor although one is at 10 storey. This is due to sound reflecting between blocks. Olden days blocks are lower and less close together. So less noise. p.s. observation and common sense, experienced and still experiencing.

[@PP-vf1kx]

Tan James The Sound Specialist

[@jessiejames7492]

i dont play my radio, tv on at 7pm off at 10.30 then i go and sleep. normal family noises whihc i keep to a minimum. yet my neighbours pound on the walls , knock, on the walls, stomp, drill, hammer, throw plant soil in front of my house . i didnt even know what was happening. ONE thing i know is the floors and walls are paper thin. even when i walk i can hear the sound. Yet the neighbours next door and the one below join forcecs to torment me everyday. well i have no where to go. reported to police , police referred me to mediation. neighbours refused to go two times. police told me not to engage them myself and not to do as they do! so what am i supposed to do? could hdb answer?

[@auntyuber5127]

I live on the island of Kauai. I have a neighbor that has harrassed me for over 2 years. I have a beautiful apartment but must move to be safe. Neighbor has done over 4000 dollars in damage to my car.

[@philipanzelmo9711]

The only thing left to do is to use black magic on that neighbour from hell.

[@DarkMeyer777]

If the authorities unable to take action...ndon't fault people when people last resort take matters into their own hands out of desperation. In this case, no one should be convicted because the authorities REFUSES to provide any action that has any effect. For example, we can start paying super mad & crazy inconsiderate people or their family surprise visits, I'm pretty sure these people will start being considerate. But we must never let them know we are annoyed because this will make them think we are threatening them which of course we never did. This still makes us safe but because they wouldn't know what surprise they would get and they doesn't know who did it. It is their own doing that they like to put themselves in a vulnerable position. No one asked them to be a consistent nuisance to society. If Authorities cannot make them behave, element of surprises would.

[@thespecialist7442]

The situation is getting out of hand for these cases, i am in one so i know how is it, best is move out😑

[@PP-vf1kx]

The Specialist Is The One To Call To Solve Your Noise Issue...Just Disappeared

[@thespecialist7442]

@@PP-vf1kx Lol not me, i am not the one to look for in this situation, just saying my opinion🤔 Thanks troll😌

[@amranjasmi]

God why can’t you just knocked on your neighbours door and confront them? Screw the law!

[@aryowicaksono9740]

YES!

[@Yerinjibbang]

ya man if me i bang the door until they cannot tahan liao!

[@burtonl7239]

Cos they pussy.

[@imleavingnotgod8106]

They have family. They have small children. What do you expect?

[@amranjasmi]

@@imleavingnotgod8106 expect to go back in time and wear a condom