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\nMaids can\u2019t use pools, other condo facilities
\nSome condominiums in Singapore continue to enforce strict rules preventing domestic helpers from using facilities such as swimming pools and gymnasiums, citing that are meant for homeowners\u2019 use only.
\nPropertyGuru understands that this is a long-standing practice implemented by a number of Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs), also known as condo managing agents, due to complaints arising from residents.
\nTake the case of Mary (not her real name), a Filipino domestic helper who has worked in Singapore for more than 20 years. A few months ago, she began working for an American expat family who live in the ultra-posh Four Seasons Park condominium near Orchard Road.
\nThe 43-year-old shared that a staff member at the management office told her that she could not use the condo\u2019s pool as those were the rules in case the facilities were damaged. \u201cThe lady I spoke to was nice, and she did say (the practice) was not right or fair, but this is how they do things here,\u201d said Mary.
\nShe added that the management would only allow domestic helpers to use the pool if their employers were also present. PropertyGuru reached out to the managing agent of Four Seasons Park, but did not hear back.
\nNot all condominiums in Singapore enforce such restrictions. One condo manager at a project in Woodlands, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they do not stop domestic helpers from using the pool. \u201cSuch situations would only occur if the employers did not allow it, or if there were instances of damages due to misuse. Besides that, there are no restrictions,\u201d he said.
\nHe explained that introducing these rules are not practical, especially when the employer\u2019s children use the pool. \u201cIf there is a drowning, then who is responsible? The helpers have to be with them as condos normally don\u2019t employ lifeguards.\u201d
\nIn Singapore, MCSTs come under the purview of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Responding to media queries, a BCA spokesperson said that under the legal framework for the management of strata-titled properties, such as condominiums, \u201cthere are no prescribed by-laws that restrict or prohibit certain groups of people from using the common property\u201d.
\nBut the spokesperson added that MCSTs can make additional by-laws on top of the prescribed ones with regard to the use of common facilities, which are in the interests of the residents.<\/p>\n