A Beginner’s Guide To BMSMA And Strata Living In Singapore

Strata living has become very common in Singapore, especially with the growth of condominiums, mixed-use buildings, and commercial strata properties. Many people enjoy the convenience, shared spaces, and security these developments offer. However, living in a strata property also means understanding the rules, responsibilities, and systems that keep everything running smoothly. This is where the BMSMA comes in.

In this blog, you will learn what the BMSMA is, why it matters, and how it shapes everyday life in a strata development. Whether you are a new owner, a future buyer, or someone simply trying to understand how your condo is run, this guide breaks everything down in a simple and easy way. You will also learn practical tips that help make strata living more pleasant and problem-free.

What Is BMSMA?

The BMSMA, or the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, is the law that governs the management and operation of strata properties in Singapore. It sets the rules for how buildings should be maintained, how common areas are managed, how decisions are made, and how disputes are resolved. Simply put, it is the main guide that ensures a building runs smoothly and that everyone understands their role.

The BMSMA covers residential buildings, commercial buildings, and mixed-use developments. It explains how the MCST is formed, how meetings are held, how money is collected for maintenance, and how daily operations are carried out. Because strata living involves shared spaces, shared costs, and shared responsibility, the BMSMA helps protect the interests of all owners and residents.

Why Is BMSMA Important

Understanding the BMSMA is important because it helps everyone know their rights and duties.

Six reasons why it matters are listed below

1. Clear Roles for MCST: It explains what the MCST can and cannot do when managing the building.

2. Protects Owners’ Interests: Owners have guidelines that keep decision-making fair.

3. Ensures Proper Maintenance: It prevents buildings from becoming unsafe or poorly managed.

4. Sets Rules For Common Areas: Everyone knows what they can use and how to use shared facilities.

5. Provides Dispute Solutions: It offers proper methods to handle disagreements peacefully.

6. Makes Strata Living Smoother: Daily operations become easier when everyone follows the same rules.

How BMSMA Works

Below are ten key areas that explain how the BMSMA works in real life. Each section includes two simple paragraphs to make things clear.

1. Formation Of The MCST

The BMSMA starts with the formation of the Management Corporation Strata Title, also called the MCST. The MCST is automatically formed when the first strata title is issued for a property. This group becomes the official body that manages and maintains the entire building.

Once formed, the MCST is responsible for carrying out the duties stated in the BMSMA. This includes keeping the building safe, collecting maintenance fees, and overseeing the use of common areas. Every unit owner becomes a member of the MCST and has a say in major decisions.

2. Role Of The Management Council

The management council is a smaller group elected during the Annual General Meeting. This council represents all owners and makes daily decisions on behalf of the MCST. They help run building operations, approve spending, and ensure the property is properly maintained.

The council also works with contractors, vendors, cleaners, technicians, and managing agents. These decisions must follow the rules stated in the BMSMA, so the council cannot act freely without considering laws and proper procedures.

3. Meetings And Voting

Meetings are an important part of how the BMSMA works. The act explains how AGMs and EGMs must be organised, the notice periods, and who can vote. These meetings help owners make decisions about budgets, upgrades, and by-law changes.

Voting rules ensure decisions are fair. For example, some decisions need a simple majority, while others require a higher level of agreement. This prevents unfair or rushed decisions and keeps owners involved in building matters.

4. By-Laws And House Rules

The BMSMA allows the MCST to create bylaws that help keep the property safe and orderly. These rules cover daily matters such as pets, noise levels, use of facilities, parking, and renovations inside units. Bylaws help ensure that all residents enjoy a peaceful living environment.

These by-laws must follow the BMSMA and cannot go against it. Residents are expected to follow these rules at all times. If someone breaks the rules, the council can issue warnings or take further action, depending on how serious the matter is.

5. Maintenance Contributions

Another key part of the BMSMA is requiring owners to pay maintenance fees. These contributions are used for cleaning, security, repairs, landscaping, and other daily operations. Without these payments, the building cannot function properly.

The MCST creates an annual budget that shows how funds will be used. Owners vote to approve this budget during meetings. When everyone pays their fees on time, the building stays clean, safe, and enjoyable for all.

6. Common Property Management

The BMSMA explains what is considered common property and how it should be managed. Common property includes corridors, lifts, swimming pools, gardens, roofs, and clubhouses. Since many people use these spaces, they must be maintained regularly.

Proper management ensures safety and increases the property’s value. The MCST is responsible for making sure contractors clean and repair these areas, and that facilities remain in good working condition.

7. Building Maintenance And Repairs

Under the BMSMA, the MCST must make sure the building is properly maintained. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and a proper facility maintenance checklist to track all tasks. Good maintenance prevents water leaks, broken lifts, faulty lights, and other issues that may cause inconvenience or safety risks.

A well-maintained building is also more appealing to buyers and tenants. Along with regular checks, the MCST may also use a building maintenance inspection plan to identify problems early before they become bigger and more expensive to fix.

8. Use Of Technology In Strata Management

Technology plays an increasing role in how BMSMA operations are carried out. Tools like digital reporting, online voting, smart access systems, and monitoring devices help the MCST stay organised. Some developments even adopt smart building solutions to improve safety and track utilities more efficiently.

Property managers are also exploring AI in property management to plan repairs, detect issues early, and automate scheduling. These tools reduce manual work and improve accuracy, making strata living more convenient and modern.

9. Dispute Resolution And Mediation

Conflicts may happen in any strata community. The BMSMA provides clear ways to handle disputes through mediation and adjudication. Owners who disagree about noise, renovations, or facility use can seek help through the Strata Titles Board.

This system prevents disputes from turning into long and expensive legal battles. It gives everyone a fair chance to present their concerns and helps maintain peace within the building.

10. Audits, Records, And Transparency

The BMSMA sets rules to ensure transparency. The MCST must keep proper accounts, records of meetings, receipts, contracts, and maintenance reports. These documents help owners understand how funds are used and how decisions are made.

Annual audits are required to make sure money is handled correctly. This builds trust within the community and prevents misuse of funds. When records are clear and updated, both residents and council members feel more secure about how the building is run.

Tips For Simple And Stress-Free Strata Living

Here are simple tips to help make strata living smooth and enjoyable.

1. Attend Meetings: Understand what is happening in your building and share your views.

2. Follow By-Laws: This helps maintain peace and shows respect for neighbours.

3. Stay Updated: Read notices and digital updates to know what changes are happening.

4. Communicate Calmly: Clear conversations help prevent misunderstandings and problems.

5. Report Issues Early: Fixing problems early avoids bigger and more costly damage.

6. Be Considerate: Respect shared spaces and keep noise levels low for everyone’s comfort.

Conclusion On BMSMA

The BMSMA plays a key role in making strata living organised, fair, and safe for everyone. It explains how buildings should be managed, how money should be used, how by-laws work, and how disputes can be resolved. When owners understand the BMSMA, they become better prepared to live in a well-managed community and enjoy the benefits of shared facilities.

At Abacus Property, we help MCSTs and owners understand the BMSMA and manage their buildings smoothly. Our team is experienced in property operations, maintenance, and strata management. 

If your development needs support with compliance, meetings, maintenance, or daily operations, feel free to contact us. We are here to help you manage your property with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About BMSMA

What Does The BMSMA Cover?

It covers rules on management, maintenance, bylaws, common areas, and MCST responsibilities.

Who Manages A Strata Property Under The BMSMA?

The MCST manages daily operations and follows the rules set in the act.

Do All Owners Need To Pay Maintenance Fees?

Yes. These fees support cleaning, repairs, facilities, and overall property care.

Can Owners Change The By-Laws?

Yes. Changes can be made through voting at general meetings.

How Are Disputes Solved Under The BMSMA?

Disputes can be resolved through mediation or adjudication with the Strata Titles Board.