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CaseTrust protections explained

CaseTrust-accredited renovation businesses follow CASE’s scheme rules: a deposit performance bond, use of the CaseTrust Standard Renovation Contract, progressive payments, an initial deposit capped at a maximum of 20% of the total cost, a 12-month workmanship warranty, and prepayment protection with proof of the protected sum. Always confirm the firm’s current accreditation. Source: CASE — CaseTrust Accreditation for Renovation Businesses, checked 4 Nov 2026.

What is the CaseTrust deposit performance bond?

CaseTrust-accredited renovation businesses must purchase a deposit performance bond to safeguard deposit payments against closure, winding up and liquidation (and, under the CaseTrust–RCMA wording, also against non-performance of contracts).

This is not the same as an HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors listing. HDB says you need to engage a contractor from that directory for renovations in an HDB flat, including works that do not require HDB’s approval. CaseTrust is consumer accreditation from CASE.

On KeyKaki’s vendor list, 186 of 190 renovation firms that are live on ACRA carry an HDB directory reference (vendor dataset, checked 21 Oct 2026).

Is the initial deposit capped at 20%?

Under CaseTrust scheme rules for accredited renovation businesses, initial deposits are capped at a maximum of 20% of the total cost, and payments are collected in phases on agreed milestones. Confirm the firm is currently accredited and that your written contract follows the CaseTrust Standard Renovation Contract.

If a firm is not CaseTrust-accredited, this 20% scheme cap does not automatically apply — negotiate and get everything in writing.

On KeyKaki’s matched set: 146 of 190 ACRA-live renovation firms matched the CaseTrust renovation list valid 21 Oct 2026; 44 were not found in that list (vendor dataset, checked 21 Oct 2026).

How long is the CaseTrust workmanship warranty?

Accredited businesses shall provide homeowners a workmanship warranty for 12 months from the completion date of the works, and conduct necessary rectification if defects arise from the works during the warranty period. Validity rests on the contract terms.

Before you pay a deposit

  1. Ask for proof of current CaseTrust accreditation (and logo scheme: CaseTrust / CaseTrust–RCMA / Gold).
  2. Confirm the initial deposit is at most 20% of total cost if the firm is CaseTrust-accredited under the scheme rules above.
  3. Get a progressive payment schedule in writing (CaseTrust Standard Renovation Contract).
  4. Keep the firm’s HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors reference if the flat is HDB (confirm via HDB’s Looking for Renovation Contractors e-Service).
  5. After prepayment to a CaseTrust-accredited business, keep the proof of protection showing your details and the protected sum.
  6. Re-check accreditation if the expiry is near: 4 CaseTrust accreditations in KeyKaki’s matched set expire Nov–Dec 2026 (list valid 21 Oct 2026). Check CASE’s current list before you rely on accreditation.

Protections at a glance

Deposit performance bond

What it means
Safeguards deposit against closure, winding up, liquidation (the CaseTrust–RCMA scheme also covers non-performance)

Standard Renovation Contract

What it means
Obligations, work and payment schedules

Progressive payments

What it means
Phased on milestones; initial deposit max 20%

12-month workmanship warranty

What it means
From completion date of works

Prepayment protection

What it means
Claim unused prepayment if the business closes; proof of protected sum

CASE Centre mediation

What it means
Dispute route when the business process fails

Also useful: CaseTrust and HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors and HDB renovation permits and rules.

Questions

Does CaseTrust replace the HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors?

No. HDB requires Directory of Renovation Contractors firms for renovations in an HDB flat; CaseTrust is consumer accreditation.

Are all 190 KeyKaki renovation firms CaseTrust-accredited?

No. 146 matched on the list valid 21 Oct 2026; 44 were not found.

What if accreditation is expiring?

4 accreditations in KeyKaki’s matched set expire Nov–Dec 2026. Re-check CASE’s list before you rely on accreditation.

Where do I verify accreditation?

On CASE’s CaseTrust renovation accreditation page. KeyKaki matches names by exact name and postal code to a live ACRA entity — see About & methodology. Corrections: hello@keykaki.sg.

Sources

Corrections: hello@keykaki.sg