The Defects Liability Period (DLP) is the developer's obligation to rectify construction defects in a new launch condo — typically 12 months from the date of Notice of Vacant Possession (TOP), per the standard SP&S contract regulated by the Singapore Housing Developers' Rules.
When you buy a new launch condo in Singapore, the developer is contractually obligated to fix any construction defects you discover during the Defects Liability Period (DLP). The DLP is your single best leverage point for getting things right — chips, cracks, leaks, mis-aligned fittings, water seepage, malfunctioning fixtures, all rectifiable at the developer's cost during this window. After it expires, the cost is yours.
The DLP framework is governed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the standard Sale & Purchase (S&P) Agreement template required by URA-regulated housing developers (as of 2026-05). The typical DLP is 12 months from Notice of Vacant Possession (effectively TOP), with a parallel structural-defect warranty often extending 5–10 years on the building shell. Some developers offer extended cover periods on premium projects.
What Does It Mean?
The Defects Liability Period (DLP) is typically 12 months from the date of vacant possession (TOP/key collection). During this period, the developer is obligated to repair any defects in the unit at no cost to the buyer.
Worked Example
Common defects to check during the 12-month DLP:
- Ceiling or wall cracks and water stains
- Uneven flooring or loose tiles
- Leaking pipes, taps, or toilet fittings
- Faulty electrical points or switches
- Window alignment and sealing issues
- Kitchen cabinet and wardrobe defects
Report all defects in writing to the developer. They are legally obligated to rectify them at no cost during the DLP.
Why It Matters
The DLP is your safety net against construction defects. Documenting and reporting all issues within 12 months is crucial — after the DLP expires, all repair costs become your responsibility.
Where to Find This on ShiokNest
- Handover & Defects Checklist
Look for the tooltip icon next to this metric on ShiokNest for a quick reminder of its definition.
Official Sources
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What\'s covered during DLP:
- Cracks in walls, tiles, or finishes (cosmetic and structural)
- Leaking joints, pipes, and waterproofing failures
- Malfunctioning electrical fittings, plumbing, sanitary ware provided as part of the standard fit-out
- Air-conditioning unit defects (typically a separate 1-year manufacturer warranty stacks on top)
- Misaligned doors, windows, kitchen cabinet doors
- Water seepage from common areas (façade, balconies, neighbour\'s plumbing)
What\'s NOT covered: normal wear and tear, owner-induced damage, modifications you make, and anything outside the unit (covered by separate common-area maintenance via the MCST).
Worked example timing: Notice of Vacant Possession dated 1 March 2026 → DLP expires 28 February 2027. The 90-day mark (June 2026) is the standard "first-round" defect inspection window when most issues surface; the 11-month mark is the "final sweep" before DLP closes. Most experienced buyers commission a third-party defect inspector around month 10.
- Inspect on the day you collect keys — photograph every room, log every issue in writing to the developer within the first 7 days. This establishes the baseline.
- Inspect again at month 3 and month 11 — defects often manifest after a season of use (esp. water seepage during monsoon, AC issues under heat load).
- Hire a defect inspector around month 10 — S$500–S$1,500 typical fee, identifies issues you might miss. The earlier in DLP, the more leverage.
- Submit defects in writing via the developer\'s defect-management portal or email. Email creates a timestamp record that supports any post-DLP escalation.
- Don\'t accept verbal commitments — every rectification must be logged with a target completion date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the developer refuses to fix defects?
Does DLP cover renovation damage?
How long is the DLP exactly?
12 months from the date of Notice of Vacant Possession (typically TOP). Some premium developers offer extended cover.
Is there a structural defects warranty after DLP?
Yes — typically 5–10 years on the building shell, governed by the S&P contract. Structural issues post-DLP are still the developer's responsibility within that extended period.
What about resale units — do they have a DLP?
No. DLP only applies between developer and first buyer. Resale buyers have no defect recourse against the developer or the prior owner unless specifically warranted in the S&P.
Can I claim DLP after I've started renovations?
Risky — renovations can be argued to have caused the defect. Inspect and report all defects before any renovation work begins.
This glossary article is auto-generated from ShiokNest's financial data and updated periodically. Rates and figures are current as of May 2026. Check official sources for the latest.