Defect check after keys: the 1-month window and 1-year DLP

After you collect keys for a new HDB flat, report defects to HDB within one month of key collection and before renovation works begin. Newly completed flats are covered by a one-year Defects Liability Period (DLP) from the date of key collection. HDB usually takes less than two weeks to complete the repair. After the DLP ends, you engage your own contractor.

Source: HDB — Rectification of Defects in New Flats, checked 4 Nov 2026.

When must I report defects?

HDB says it is important that you report the items within 1 month of key collection and before your renovation works begin. That timing helps HDB tell construction defects from renovation damage.

For households collecting keys in late 2026 and early 2027, the one-month clock starts on your own key-collection date. Projects KeyKaki is tracking in that window (key-collection dataset, checked 20 Oct 2026):

Stated unit total for the four projects with counts: 3,063. Confirm your appointment on MyHDB Page / the HDB Flat Portal.

What does the 1-year DLP cover?

All newly completed HDB flats are covered by a 1-year Defects Liability Period from the date of key collection. You can submit a rectification request online or at the Building Service Centre in your precinct. The centre arranges a joint inspection to verify the item(s), assigns contractor(s), and later a closing inspection.

For security, HDB does not recommend handing your flat keys to the contractor for rectification — bring a lock to secure your flat.

After the DLP ends, you engage a repair contractor yourself. For HDB flat works, prefer a firm listed on HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors. 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).

Can renovation start before the defect report?

HDB asks you to report within one month of key collection and before renovation works begin. If renovation cannot wait, HDB can rectify defects during the renovation (if it does not hinder your works) or after. Some minor defects can also be rectified after you have moved in, if living conditions will not be affected.

A practical order many households follow: collect your keys, walk through the flat and report defects within 30 days, wait for HDB's repairs where they apply, and only then start heavy renovation. That order is KeyKaki’s suggestion. HDB’s moving-in checklist lists rectification as one item among others; it does not set this full sequence.

Defect walkthrough checklist

1. Collect keys and note the key-collection date (Day 0).
2. Walk every room within 30 days and before renovation works begin.
3. Living / dining: walls, ceiling, floor, windows, doors, sockets, light points.
4. Bedrooms: same checks; wardrobe doors and hinges if provided.
5. Kitchen: cabinets, worktop, sink, taps, tiling, cooker-hood point, sockets.
6. Bathroom(s) / toilet(s): damp or hollow tiles, taps, WC, shower, floor trap, finishes.
7. Service yard / balcony (if any): floor falls, railings, drainage.
8. Aircon ledge / windows: frames, seals, drainage (visual only).
9. Submit the rectification request online or at your precinct Building Service Centre.
10. Attend the joint inspection; do not hand over keys casually during rectification.
11. Only after the early report (and preferred repairs) start heavy renovation.

Calendar reminder: Day 0 = keys · Day 30 = report deadline · Month 12 = DLP end.

Also useful: Move-in sequence and HDB renovation permits and rules.

Corrections: hello@keykaki.sg