There are already plenty of things to worry about during a home renovation, from choosing the right ID to keeping your budget in check. And now, you might also have to worry about strangers walking into your half-renovated home.
A group of neighbours in Woodlands made headlines after they were caught entering an HDB flat undergoing renovation without the homeowner’s permission, even taking photos of the interior. Unusual as it sounds, other homeowners have shared similar encounters, with strangers even trying to open locked doors.
Why does this happen, and is entering someone’s renovation unit without permission actually considered trespassing?
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Recent cases of strangers entering renovation units
@qidahfuad Is entering someone house during renovation a norm now? Isn’t this trespassing? What happens if items go missing, what if you get injured while you’re inside? Just because you are so kpo. This was two different occasions. Can’t tell if it’s the same person. This shouldn’t be a norm. You should NEVER enter someone’s house without permission. Workers have told them off but refuse to listen and continue… But still… #trespassing #renonvationsg @Mothership @CNA @Stomp Singapore @SG Daily 🇸🇬
The Woodlands case isn’t the only recent incident. Some homeowners have shared that they had to deal with uninvited visitors while their flats are undergoing renovation, with several accounts coming from newer BTO estates.
Most recently, on 17th September, Class 95 producer Yoo Jin shared that someone allegedly tried to enter her home while renovation works were underway, even though she was inside at the time.
Homeowners’ experiences of strangers entering their renovation units.
Screenshot from: Hardwarezone
Other homeowners shared similar experiences, with some saying that people walked into their units without permission simply to get renovation ideas, while others described uninvited neighbours inspecting flooring or opening kitchen cupboards.
Why are people entering HDB flats undergoing renovation?
Image credit: @casaid.com.sg
While we don’t know what motivates every uninvited visitor, a common explanation is plain curiosity. This may be more common in newer BTO estates, where homeowners have similar layouts and are renovating around the same time.
Seeing what a neighbour has done with their flat can provide renovation inspiration for layout, carpentry, and other design decisions. However, an open door doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an invitation to come in.
Some people may treat units undergoing renovation like showrooms, especially when the doors are left open while contractors are working. Ultimately, the key difference is whether they have the homeowner’s permission to enter.
Is it illegal to enter someone’s renovation unit without permission?
Walking into someone’s renovation unit without permission might seem like clear-cut trespassing, but the legal reality is a bit more complicated.
Under Section 441 of the Penal Code, the person must have entered or remained on the property with the intention of committing an offence, or to intimidate, insult or annoy the homeowner.
If convicted of criminal trespass, a person can face up to 3 months’ jail, a fine of up to $1,500, or both.
Security concerns during renovation
Image credit: @tongyunandmore via Lemon8
Besides privacy concerns, having strangers walk into your renovation unit can also be a security concern.
Appliances, bathroom fittings and other valuable fixtures are often delivered before they’re installed, which means they could be left unsecured in the unit for a period of time.
With contractors, workers and delivery personnel already coming and going, having uninvited visitors enter the unit can also make it harder to keep track of who has access to your home.
What homeowners can do to protect their renovation
Image credit: @skyraider12 via Lemon8
A good first step is letting your ID and contractor know that no one should be allowed into the unit without your permission, even if they’re just popping in for a quick look.
CCTV cameras provide an extra layer of security by letting you monitor who enters your home while you’re away. However, setting one up may not be as straightforward if you’ve just collected your keys, as many home CCTV systems require electricity and an internet connection. And as the Woodlands incident shows, even having a camera in plain sight may not be enough to deter curious visitors.
Simple physical deterrents can go a long way too. Securing the gate with a bicycle lock or padlock can prevent someone from simply letting themselves in when no one is around. It’s also important to ensure that the door is locked whenever contractors leave the unit, especially after appliances and fittings have been delivered.
Uninvited visitors entering renovation units
It’s understandable to be curious about how someone has renovated a similar HDB layout, especially if you’ve just collected your keys and are looking for ideas for your own home. But as the experiences above show, not every homeowner is comfortable with strangers walking into their unit uninvited. Depending on the circumstances, it could also become a legal issue.
If you’re curious about a neighbour’s renovation, it’s always better to ask for permission first. After all, you probably don’t want to start on the wrong foot with someone you’ll be living next to for years.
For more renovation inspiration without entering someone’s unit:
- Open-Concept BTO Renovation: Should You Turn Your BTO Flat Into A Studio Apartment?
- Inside Content Creator Clara Hong’s 4-Room BTO Flat
- 5 Things We Love About Jessica Tham’s Mid-Century Modern 3-Bedroom Condo
Cover image adapted from: @tongyunandmore, @skyraider12 via Lemon8
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