Page 6 - Kew News 2021-02 Final

Maintenance
Storage of Personal Items in the Basement
Here are some handy Q&As to help clarify the regulations and options regarding Basement storage. We once again urge the community to keep your basements clear, in line with SLA regulations.
Q1: What is the current situation about storing personal items in the basement?
The basement space below units is deemed common property by the BCA (Building Construction Authority) and SLA (Strata Land Authority) and by law, it should be cleared of all personal items.
Q3: In 2016 I was told that the space below the staircase belongs to the property owner but now that is common property. Why has this changed?
The MCST acts based on information provided by Singapore government agencies - in this case, the SLA. In November 2016, the SLA stated that the area under the staircase is privately owned. In November 2018, the Council was made aware that the SLA had stated otherwise to an SP. This SP sought clarification from the Council. To establish the correct ownership the Council had to engage a registered surveyor and the original architect (Archurban Architects Planners), who confirmed that the space is common property. As a result, the SLA in
Q2. Does this include the area under the staircase?
Yes. The common property includes the car parking area, the pavement around the car park, and the area under staircases leading up to each unit.
June 2019 declared the space below the staircase as common property.
Q4: Has the Strata Land Ground Floor Entitlements calculation been made to confirm that the space below the staircase is common property?
Yes, it has been verified.