HDB resident complaint: Neighbour’s scattered slippers and smelly shoes

SINGAPORE: A man complained about his ‘very inconsiderate’ neighbour who would scatter and leave their slippers and shoes on the public corridor and cause other people to find it difficult to come out of their house at Blk 412 Pandan Gardens.

The man also added that the neighbour’s shoe rack was purposely located very close to the end of the corridor front gate, blocking the designated exit. More so, containers were never used to properly store the shoes and slippers. “Also put we used old shoes on top of shoe cabinet, the foul strong smell entered corridor end neighbour house when open door,” the man wrote. 

“Josstick burn every morning smell and ashes entered end corridor unit and on top of shoe cabinet,” the man added.

He complained and emailed the West Coast Town Council about the issue but said it was ‘no use.’ 

Netizens expressed their opinions on the said post through comments.

One FB user admitted a similar experience: “Just like my neighbours. For the longest time, 11 people stayed next door. Their shoe cabinet, bicycles (adults and kids) and shopping trolley were placed just outside my bedroom window. Kids scream and play rough 24/7. Itz like a zoo next door. One day, I couldnt get into my apt because of all their stuff along the common corridor. They treat the common corrirdor as their personal warehouse. I took pics and lodged complaints to town council and HDB.” 

Another FB user declared: “This is one of the worst thing when stay in apartment with horrible neighbors.” 

What does HDB say about ‘Managing Neighbour Disputes’? 

According to the House & Development Board (HDB), one way to resolve neighbour issues is through effective communication. 

“Most neighbour disputes can be resolved effectively and amicably with a little thoughtfulness and patience. Communicate with your neighbours politely, listen to them and be willing to compromise to maintain a harmonious living environment,” HDB says. 

“A conflict happens when two or more parties have a disagreement. Conflicts, if left unresolved, could escalate and cause tension among family members, neighbours and friends. Instead of getting angry, let’s FOCUS on resolving the conflict.” 

However, if the situation can’t be resolved through communication, people may seek help from the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRTs) 

“The CDRTs are meant to handle unreasonable interferences with the enjoyment or use of places of residence. The CDRTs are a measure of last resort for residents because other means of resolution (e.g. approaching your neighbour, informal mediation) may better preserve neighbour relations,” HDB remarked.