Usually, before you’re ready to move into your new home you would get the renovations done as it is easier that way. However, you might want to make sure that you have all the right permits before you start doing so, otherwise, you may get slapped with an RM1,000 fine!
Now, it’s expected that for big renovations, especially to the exterior of your house, you will need a permit to do so but a netizen recently shared that he had to apply for a permit to install iron grills in his condominium unit. He said that he did not know about this and included a photo of the form that he had been given. The permit application fee is RM100 and must be accompanied by a letter of approval from the developer, joint management or management committee.
Apparently, he said that he had been told by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) that he needed to get permission from them before he installed iron grills and a wardrobe inside his house. Several others from the same condominium said that they encountered the same problem as well.
One of the owners said that they did not know that they had to apply for a permit by MPAJ and had only gotten permission from the building’s management before they started. Many other units already had their iron grills installed without any hassle but just a few days ago, officers from MPAJ came to do some inspections and issued warning letters to the owners for not having the proper permits, Sinchew reported.
It is estimated that over 30 households received these warning letters and even the contractors said that they did not know of this issue. When one of the owners went to apply for a permit with MPAJ, he got slapped with an RM1,000 fine instead.
MPAJ councillor Chua Yew Choong said that he was aware of this complaint and said that he would discuss this with the city council. Currently, only the residents of that condominium unit were affected, and he did not receive any complaints from other people. He said that this falls under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) for internal renovations, but he is unsure whether this includes installation of iron grills and wardrobes.
Chua added that MPAJ should have already told the developer and management about this regulation and it was the responsibility of the management to inform the owners. However, he said that the RM1,000 fine was unfair to the unit owners. A further check on MPAJ’s website shows that this form is indeed in existence and doesn’t seem to be something new.
Looks like it’s better to check with the authorities about things like this before starting your renovations and redecorations!
Also read: People Who Illegally “Chup” Parking Lots With Cones Can Be Fined Up To RM2,000