help needed, bamboo blinds asked to be removed

[aunhyunty]

Hi seniors, I need help. After some research and read up, I realized that we can't install fixtures to our balcony. So in the end we bought bamboo blinds to install at balcony. in fact we committed to a deal during the expo fair last Dec before we even got our keys. So when we got our keys as well the resident handbook, we were shock that bamboo blinds are not allowed. We immediately called to explain our situation and the person who answered our call quite nice and told us if no resident complain they will close one eye, we proceeded since we already paid deposit during the expo fair. Few months have gone and we suddenly received a letter asking us to remove our blinds. What should we do? Firstly, we do not wish to remove because we spent close to 1k for the blind, not cheap. Secondly, we were quite close to our opp units and most of them hang their unsightly laundry on their balcony facing us. Please advise, thanks Alot for reading.

[spikey69]

Hi seniors, I need help. After some research and read up, I realized that we can't install fixtures to our balcony. So in the end we bought bamboo blinds to install at balcony. in fact we committed to a deal during the expo fair last Dec before we even got our keys. So when we got our keys as well the resident handbook, we were shock that bamboo blinds are not allowed. We immediately called to explain our situation and the person who answered our call quite nice and told us if no resident complain they will close one eye, we proceeded since we already paid deposit during the expo fair. Few months have gone and we suddenly received a letter asking us to remove our blinds. What should we do? Firstly, we do not wish to remove because we spent close to 1k for the blind, not cheap. Secondly, we were quite close to our opp units and most of them hang their unsightly laundry on their balcony facing us. Please advise, thanks Alot for reading.

Take it down...$1k is going to look puny in comparison to all the hassle that you will face and maybe even if this degenerates into a lawyer ding dong over the terms and agreement as laid out in the handbook. Not worth it.

[aunhyunty]

Take it down...$1k is going to look puny in comparison to all the hassle that you will face and maybe even if this degenerates into a lawyer ding dong over the terms and agreement as laid out in the handbook. Not worth it.

I just don't understand. So many condos are doing that. Why is my mgt so anal about it. Do u think if I nego to roll up most of the time instead of totally remove will help? There are times I really need to roll down the blinds..

[sh]

If you don't like the rules, run for posts in the mcst and change them. In the meanwhile, take them down.

[TheOnlyGayInTheVillage]

Finally met an aunty kekeke. Ok back to serious matter. Do you see other units having the same? Maybe group together and explain to MCST why you need it. But be prepared they can say you can install curtains right?

[silver023]

They are usually very sticky about this issue during the first year while the developer is managing the condo/apt.

You should probably talk to the manager of the MA to discuss if you can retain your blinds (the junior person in the MA usually enforces by the book, hence will not be open to such discussions).

If not, just temporarily remove the blinds and get yourself in the Management Council (and be prepared for alot of unappreciated work).

[buttercarp]

Have to comply with MCST.
Take down the blinds.
In future before installing anything, get permission in black and white.

Is yours is a new development?
If so then maybe after 1 year (when CSC is obtained) can try again and ask the management in black and white.

[Laguna]

Before CSC, it is very difficult
It is also in the S&P if I am not wrong, that ur not allowed to install anything that is immovable in the PES and balcony.

After CSC, and formation of MCST, it all depends on the MC.
I hv condo...ok to install..and some..no no

[Montaigne]

Have to comply with MCST.
Take down the blinds.
In future before installing anything, get permission in black and white.

Is yours is a new development?
If so then maybe after 1 year (when CSC is obtained) can try again and ask the management in black and white.

For my condo mgt very strict, cannot install blinds.

[aunhyunty]

Say if we take it down, instead of mounting to the ceiling, we fenced it around the balcony, is this considered breaking the rules?

[TheOnlyGayInTheVillage]

Say if we take it down, instead of mounting to the ceiling, we fenced it around the balcony, is this considered breaking the rules?

As long as it is not a permanent fixture (ie can be removed easily) it should be fine. Roll up blinds which have to be affixed into the concrete etc by drilling is considered permanent.

[aunhyunty]

So seems like from all your response, I have to comply and there is no way to appeal? It's a sure lose case even if we provide evidence we bought before we receive handbook?

[TheOnlyGayInTheVillage]

Just wondering how come you receive the handbook so late. Isnt it given together with all the set of keys.

[aunhyunty]

Just wondering how come you receive the handbook so late. Isnt it given together with all the set of keys.

Yes it is given together with the keys. Problem is we bought before we move in. so once we move in we go ahead install cos bought already. Called mgt and they said as long no complain they close one eye. Apparently got one neighbor complain many times according to mgt. Just called them and got to know it's that neighbors fault.

[TheOnlyGayInTheVillage]

Yes it is given together with the keys. Problem is we bought before we move in. so once we move in we go ahead install cos bought already. Called mgt and they said as long no complain they close one eye. Apparently got one neighbor complain many times according to mgt. Just called them and got to know it's that neighbors fault.

Actually why would your bamboo blind get in the way of the neibour??

Do you have a beautiful daughter in the house that if you roll down the blind that neighbour cant see her???? Its silly.

[aunhyunty]

Actually why would your bamboo blind get in the way of the neibour??

Do you have a beautiful daughter in the house that if you roll down the blind that neighbour cant see her???? Its silly.

M guessing could be that neighbor want to install but can't get approved so eye sore. I couldn't think of other reasons.

[TheOnlyGayInTheVillage]

M guessing could be that neighbor want to install but can't get approved so eye sore. I couldn't think of other reasons.

Oh boy. Some people really too free...

[Wild Falcon]

For some condos, the MC is lenient with the ground floor PES, but strict with the high floor balconies because it changes the facade.

[aunhyunty]

Shocked to know that nobody faced such issue in this forum when I tried to search for answer. It is either our mgt too strict, or other condo owners too obedient.

[Tripp]

How about installation of ceiling fans at the balcony ceiling?

If you can narrow down the neighbour, you can send him/her your "regards".

[buttercarp]

Yes it is given together with the keys. Problem is we bought before we move in. so once we move in we go ahead install cos bought already. Called mgt and they said as long no complain they close one eye. Apparently got one neighbor complain many times according to mgt. Just called them and got to know it's that neighbors fault.

Stupid neighbour! Looks like someone from the opposite block?
Last time my immediate neighbour got complained by another neighbour from opposite block that they cannot sleep cos my neighbour light shine into their house and disturb them.

[rattydrama]

only place some overgrown potted plants, should be able to hide it.:-), guess neighbour wont complain now.

[TheOnlyGayInTheVillage]

Shocked to know that nobody faced such issue in this forum when I tried to search for answer. It is either our mgt too strict, or other condo owners too obedient.

Your neighbours too petty la. How many units in total by the way?

[aunhyunty]

Your neighbours too petty la. How many units in total by the way?

Less than 80. Small Dev...I hope to take revenge by hanging red undies in a line on my balcony.

[DC33_2008]

Three plausible reasons for not allowing people to hang blinds at the balcony: (1) May look good when new but may affect the outlook at the whole development when old; (2) Could be due to safety issue as it may fall downstair if it is not properly fastened; and (3) becomes an enclosed space which will be considered as GFA. The last reason is probably the one as it is infringing the regulation.

So seems like from all your response, I have to comply and there is no way to appeal? It's a sure lose case even if we provide evidence we bought before we receive handbook?

[buttercarp]

Less than 80. Small Dev...I hope to take revenge by hanging red undies in a line on my balcony.

Hang reflective CD's to chase birds and insects.

[TheOnlyGayInTheVillage]

Less than 80. Small Dev...I hope to take revenge by hanging red undies in a line on my balcony.

Oh its the one in D19.

Well u can hang a line of mirrors like the 'ba gua' fengshui mirror, some of the neighbours do that to others who create nuisance.

http://www.kenlauher.com/feng-shui-t...Good-Neighbors

[DLiauw]

Shocked to know that nobody faced such issue in this forum when I tried to search for answer. It is either our mgt too strict, or other condo owners too obedient.

Architects are required, as part of their Planning Submission to URA, to also submit proposal for balcony screening. This requirement was implemented about 5 years ago and it is to ensure that there is a consistent look for the entire facade of a development.

Developers are not required to build/provide this as part of the sales of the unit. MCST has the final say of whether they will allow balcony screening at all but if they do, they must use the architect's submitted balcony screening details. You should check with your MCST, or the developer for this and see whether it will be helpful to you.

[chiaberry]

I think condos should standardise their balcony screening. ie agree on a common standard and everybody stick to it. Otherwise it looks rather untidy esp for a new devt. Example is Clover by the Park (Bishan). There's an assortment of balcony screening devices and also assorted laundry being hung to dry on the balconies. Some units are close to the road and you can see what's on people's balconies.

[DLiauw]

I think condos should standardise their balcony screening. ie agree on a common standard and everybody stick to it. Otherwise it looks rather untidy esp for a new devt. Example is Clover by the Park (Bishan). There's an assortment of balcony screening devices and also assorted laundry being hung to dry on the balconies. Some units are close to the road and you can see what's on people's balconies.

I agree with you -- it is a good thing to keep uniformity throughout the facade of the building. It may also keep or preserve the value of the property in the long run. In a condo that I lived in in the US, the Homeowners' Association has even insisted that all the curtains must have white backings....so that when viewed from the streets below, one will not be treated to a havoc mixture of different colors and floral patterns/prints.