Solving Housing Issues with Landlords and Neighbours.
Singlish for Living and Working in Singapore. Lesson 8.
Outside the office, housing is one of the biggest stress points for newcomers. In this lesson, your aircon starts leaking and your neighbour plays loud music at night. You practise writing WhatsApp messages to your agent or landlord about repairs, using common local terms like HDB, condo, PUB bill and bomb shelter. You learn how to describe problems clearly, send photos, suggest times and follow up politely if nothing happens. You also explore how Singaporeans often avoid direct confrontation with neighbours, and you practise simple, respectful language to raise noise or corridor issues without sounding aggressive. Along the way, you read short tenancy agreement extracts and building notices so that words like void deck and management office become familiar. By the end, you can handle basic housing issues in English that feels polite and firm enough for Singapore, whether you are messaging, calling or talking in the lift.
1. Your aircon starts leaking at night.
Imagine it is your second week in Singapore. You are finally relaxing in your condo or HDB flat. Suddenly, you feel water on your arm. The aircon in your bedroom is leaking. The bed is getting wet, you are tired, and you are not sure what to say to your agent or landlord. In Singapore, most people use WhatsApp to report this kind of problem, and sometimes they also call quickly to explain and then send a photo. In this first part of the lesson, I want you to focus on two things. First, listen for the key information people share when they talk about a housing problem. Second, notice how short and direct the sentences are, but still polite. In the audio activity below, you will hear a short phone call between a tenant and an agent about a leaking aircon. While you listen, do not worry about every single word. Just try to catch three main points. What is the problem, where is it, and what is the next step? After that, you will write a short summary of what you heard, using simple phrases like, “Hi, the aircon is leaking in the bedroom,” and, “Can arrange servicing this week?”.
Setting the scene: leaking aircon in your new flat.
Housing problems always seem to happen at the most inconvenient time. Maybe it is raining heavily and suddenly your aircon is leaking. Maybe it is late at night and the toilet light is not working. You know you should contact your agent or landlord, but you want to sound clear and reasonable, not dramatic.
In Singapore, tenants often stay in:
HDB flats (public housing blocks), or
condos (private condominiums with a management office).
No matter where you live, the first step is to describe the problem clearly.
A simple message could look like this:
> Hi, the aircon is leaking in the bedroom.
> It started about one hour ago.
> The water is dripping on the floor near the bed.
Notice three things:
You say what is wrong: the aircon is leaking.
You say where: in the bedroom, near the bed.
You can add since when or how serious: started about one hour ago.
Later, you can add a request:
> Can arrange servicing this week?
> I’ll send you a photo of the problem.
These short sentences are friendly but efficient. In many Singapore WhatsApp chats, people do not write long, flowery messages. They go straight to the point, but they still include please, thanks and a soft tone.
In the activity below, you will listen to a short phone call between a tenant and an agent about a leaking aircon. Listen out for:
the problem (what exactly is wrong),
the location inside the flat,
the next step the agent suggests.
You do not need to write down every word. Just focus on understanding the key information and the style of English used.
Practice & Feedback
You will hear a short phone call between a tenant and an agent about a leaking aircon. Listen once or twice. Then, in 2–4 sentences, write a short summary of what you understood.
Try to include:
What the problem is,
Where it is happening in the flat,
What the agent will do next and when.
Use simple, clear English. If possible, use one or two phrases from the examples above, such as "Hi, the aircon is leaking in the bedroom", "Can arrange servicing this week?" or "I’ll send you a photo of the problem." Don’t worry about perfect grammar. Focus on the key information and a tone that feels polite but direct, like a real WhatsApp follow-up after a quick call.
2. Describing housing problems in WhatsApp.
Now that you have heard one example of a leaking aircon, let us zoom in on how to describe housing and maintenance problems in WhatsApp messages. In Singapore, agents and landlords usually manage many units at the same time. Clear, simple messages help them understand your problem quickly and arrange the right person, for example, an aircon contractor, an electrician or a handyman. In this block, we will look at how to structure a short message in three parts. First, you say who you are and which unit you live in. Second, you describe the problem in one or two clear sentences. Third, you add any extra details that are helpful, for example, how long the problem has been happening and when you are normally at home. I will also show you how local terms like HDB, condo, PUB bill and bomb shelter may appear in your chats. After reading the examples on the screen, you will write your own short WhatsApp-style message about a different housing issue, using some of the phrases from the chunk bank, such as, "The light in the toilet is not working" or "We just moved into this unit last month."
WhatsApp style: short, clear and helpful.
Most housing communication in Singapore happens on WhatsApp. Agents and landlords like messages that are:
short,
very clear about the problem, and
easy to act on.
A common structure is:
Who you are / where you stay
What the problem is
Extra details (since when, how serious, any quick action you took)
Look at this example:
> Hi Mr Tan, this is Anna from Blk 123, #10-05.
> The light in the toilet is not working.
> It suddenly went off last night and cannot turn on again.
> We just moved into this unit last month.
Here, Anna gives her block and unit number, then a very clear one-line problem. After that, she adds helpful context: last night, cannot turn on again, just moved in.
You may also see local terms such as:
PUB bill – the combined utilities bill (water, electricity, gas).
Bomb shelter – a strong storage room inside many HDB flats.
Void deck – open space on the ground floor of HDB blocks.
Condo – private apartment complex, often with a management office.
Here are two more sample messages:
> Hi, the aircon is leaking in the bedroom.
> It’s slowly dripping near the bed. I’ll send you a photo of the problem.
> Can arrange servicing this week?
> Hi Jane, just to check: is the PUB bill included in the rent?
> I’m not sure if I should set up the account myself.
Notice how the tone is polite but efficient. There is no long background story. The agent or landlord only needs the facts to make a decision.
In the activity, you will study one more WhatsApp conversation. After reading, you will write your own message about a different problem.
Practice & Feedback
Read the sample WhatsApp conversation in the resource box carefully. Notice how the tenant structures the message: who they are, what is wrong, and any extra details. Then, imagine you have a different housing problem in your Singapore flat.
Choose one situation, for example:
the toilet light is not working,
the kitchen tap is leaking, or
there is a strange smell from the bomb shelter.
Write a short WhatsApp-style message to your agent or landlord. Aim for 3–5 sentences. Include:
who you are and which unit you are in,
a clear description of the problem,
since when it started, and
one polite line asking for help.
Try to use at least one phrase from the chunk bank, such as "The light in the toilet is not working", "We just moved into this unit last month" or "Thanks for helping to sort this out."
Sample WhatsApp conversation.
Tenant: Hi David, this is Marie from LakeView Condo, #08-12. The aircon in the living room is not cold.
Agent: Hi Marie, noted. When did you start to notice the problem?
Tenant: It was okay before, but since yesterday afternoon it is only blowing warm air.
Agent: I see. I will check with the aircon contractor. This week they are quite busy.
Tenant: Can arrange servicing this week? We are working from home and it is very hot.
Agent: I’ll try my best. Which days are you usually at home?
Tenant: We are usually home after 7pm on weekdays.
Agent: Okay, I will update you once I get a slot. Thanks for your patience.
Tenant: Thanks for helping to sort this out.
3. Arranging repair times politely.
You can now describe a problem clearly. The next step is to arrange a good time for repair. In Singapore, many repairs involve third parties, like aircon contractors, electricians or plumbers. Your agent or landlord often has to coordinate with them, and with you. That is why clear time information is very important. In this block, we will look at language for suggesting and confirming repair times, and for showing some flexibility without giving up your needs. Common phrases include, "Can arrange servicing this week?", "When can the contractor come?", and "I’ll be at home after 7pm." You will see how Singaporeans often use short questions like, "Tomorrow evening can?" which you may or may not want to copy. I will show you a more neutral option that still sounds local enough for daily use. After reading the examples, you will write a short message to your agent to arrange a repair time, using the leaking aircon or another problem as your context.
From problem to appointment.
Once you report a housing problem, the next question is almost always:
> When can the contractor come?
Agents and landlords need to match your schedule with the repair person’s schedule. To help them, you should share clear time windows, not just "any time".
Look at this short exchange:
> Tenant: Hi, the aircon is leaking in the bedroom. Can arrange servicing this week?
> Agent: I can check with the contractor. When are you usually at home?
> Tenant: I’ll be at home after 7pm on weekdays and most of Sunday.
This is simple but very useful. The tenant:
gives a time range (after 7pm), not just one fixed hour,
mentions weekdays and Sunday,
answers the question directly.
Here are some other useful phrases for arranging repairs:
"When can the contractor come?"
"Can we fix it this week?"
"Tomorrow evening is a bit difficult for me."
"Weekend morning is better."
"I’ll be travelling next week, so before Friday is best."
You may also see very short local-style questions like:
"Wednesday evening can?"
"Saturday morning ok?"
These are common in informal chats. If you prefer slightly more standard English, you can say:
"Is Wednesday evening okay for you?"
"Would Saturday morning work?"
The key is to sound polite but efficient. You do not need a long explanation, but you should show that you understand the agent’s situation too. A simple line like, "I know the contractor is busy, but the leak is quite serious" balances firmness and understanding.
In the activity, you will read a short WhatsApp follow-up and then write your own message suggesting two or three possible time slots.
Practice & Feedback
First, read the short WhatsApp follow-up in the resource box and notice how the tenant suggests times and responds to the agent’s ideas. Then, imagine this situation:
You already told your agent that the toilet light is not working. Now the agent asks when the electrician can come.
Write a WhatsApp-style reply of 4–6 sentences. Include:
when you are usually at home on weekdays and/or weekends,
two or three specific options (for example, "Wednesday after 7pm", "Saturday morning"), and
one polite line to show you understand they may be busy, but the problem still needs attention.
Try to reuse at least one phrase from earlier, such as "When can the contractor come?", "Can we fix it this week?" or "I’ll be at home after 7pm." Keep your sentences short and clear, like a real WhatsApp chat.
Short follow-up example.
Agent: Hi Anna, I checked with the aircon contractor. Tomorrow afternoon they are full. Can they come on Thursday?
Tenant: Thanks for checking. I’ll be at home after 7pm on Thursday and Friday. Saturday morning also can.
Agent: Okay, I will try for Thursday 8pm. If cannot, then Saturday morning.
Tenant: No problem, just let me know once confirmed. The leak is getting worse, so hope can fix this week.
Agent: Yes, I understand. I’ll update you again later.
4. Talking to a noisy neighbour calmly.
So far, we have focused on problems you solve with your agent or landlord. But sometimes, the issue is actually your neighbour. Maybe there is loud music late at night, children running upstairs, or someone talking very loudly at the corridor. In Singapore, many people prefer not to confront neighbours directly. They may complain to the management office, but often they first try a very soft, polite message. In this block, we will look at language for raising noise issues in a **non-confrontational** way. Phrases like, "Sorry to bother you, but the noise is quite loud" and "Could you please keep the volume lower after 11pm?" help you sound respectful while still protecting your rest. You will also see a short WhatsApp chat between two neighbours. After that, you will write your own side of a chat, as if you are messaging the neighbour upstairs about late-night music. This will be a small simulation of a real chat situation you might face in your HDB or condo.
Neighbour noise: firm but friendly.
Noise is a sensitive topic everywhere. In a HDB block or condo, your neighbours may be very close. You share walls, ceilings and the void deck below. Many Singaporeans try to avoid direct conflict, but at the same time they still need to sleep.
A good neighbour message usually has four parts:
A soft opening and maybe a small apology.
A neutral description of the problem (no blame words).
A specific request, often with a time reference.
A polite closing.
Compare these two openings:
> Too direct:
> "Your music is too loud. You are very inconsiderate."
> More Singapore-style:
> "Hi, sorry to bother you, but the music is quite loud upstairs."
The second one is softer, but the message is still clear.
Here is a full example:
> Hi, sorry to bother you, we stay at #09-10 below your unit.
> The music from your flat is quite loud tonight.
> Could you please keep the volume lower after 11pm?
> Thanks a lot, we really appreciate it.
Notice the choices:
"we stay at #09-10 below your unit" gives context without attacking.
"quite loud" is softer than "too loud".
"could you please" is more polite than "can you just".
"after 11pm" is a clear time.
If the problem continues, some people contact the management office or, for HDB, the town council. But often a calm message works.
Below, you will see a short WhatsApp-style chat between two neighbours. Use it as a model for your own chat-style writing.
Practice & Feedback
Read the model WhatsApp chat carefully and pay attention to the tone, not just the words. Then imagine that you live in the unit below. Every Friday night, your neighbour plays loud music past midnight.
Your task is to write your side of a short WhatsApp conversation with your neighbour.
Start with a friendly greeting and a small apology (for disturbing them).
Describe the noise problem in a neutral way, without blaming their character.
Make a specific request, for example, about keeping the volume lower after a certain time.
Close politely.
Write 3–5 messages, each on a new line, as if you are really chatting. Your neighbour’s replies will not be shown; just focus on what you send. Try to use at least one phrase like "Sorry to bother you, but the noise is quite loud" or "Could you please keep the volume lower after 11pm?".
After you submit, I will reply as your neighbour and also give you feedback on your wording and tone.
Sample neighbour chat.
Neighbour A (downstairs): Hi, sorry to disturb you, we stay at #07-05 below your unit.
Neighbour A: Just to let you know, the TV sound is quite loud tonight and we can hear it clearly in our bedroom.
Neighbour A: Could you please keep the volume lower after 11pm? We wake up early for work.
Neighbour B (upstairs): Oh, so sorry, we didn’t realise it was so loud. Will turn it down.
Neighbour A: Thanks a lot, really appreciate it.
Neighbour B: No problem, if anything next time just let us know.
5. Understanding tenancy terms and building notices.
Housing communication is not only about WhatsApp. Some important information comes through your tenancy agreement or building notices in the lift lobby and at the void deck. These texts can look formal, with many capital letters and legal words, but usually the key message is quite simple: who must pay for what, what you can or cannot do, and when certain rules apply. In this block, we will look at short extracts that include typical Singapore terms like HDB, condo, PUB bill, void deck, bomb shelter and management office. I will help you notice the most important parts so you can quickly answer questions such as, "Is the PUB bill included in the rent?" or "What time must we keep noise to a minimum?" After reading, you will summarise the main points in your own words. This will help you feel more confident when you read your own agreement or see a notice in your building.
Reading the small print that affects daily life.
When you sign a tenancy agreement or move into a new HDB or condo, there is a lot of information. You do not need to understand every legal term, but some parts affect your everyday life and bills.
Here are two short examples.
Example 1: Tenancy agreement extract.
> Utilities (PUB Bill)
> The Tenant shall pay all charges for water, electricity and gas (PUB bill) during the Tenancy Period.
> The Landlord shall be responsible for normal wear-and-tear repairs above SGD 150 per item.
> The Tenant shall promptly inform the Landlord or Agent of any defect in the air-conditioning system, plumbing or electrical wiring.
Key points:
PUB bill is not included in the rent here. You must pay it.
The landlord covers bigger repairs (above SGD 150).
You must inform them quickly about important defects, like aircon, pipes or wiring.
Example 2: Condo notice at lift lobby.
> Management Office Notice – Quiet Hours
> Residents are reminded to keep noise to a minimum between 11.00pm and 7.00am.
> Please avoid loud music, TV and gatherings at the balcony or common corridor during this time.
> Bulky items shall not be stored along the corridor or at the void deck.
> For enquiries, please contact the Management Office at Level 1.
Key points:
Quiet hours: 11pm–7am, no loud music or gatherings.
No bulky items in the corridor or at the void deck.
If you have questions, you can contact the management office.
In real life, you may see similar texts on paper or in email. The skill you need is to scan for the main rules and then say them back in simple English.
In the activity below, you will read a combined extract and then summarise the most important rules in your own words.
Practice & Feedback
Read the short agreement and notice extract in the resource box slowly. Do not worry about every legal word. Focus on:
who pays for the PUB bill,
who pays for repairs,
what are the quiet hours, and
what you cannot leave in the corridor or void deck.
Then, write a short explanation of 4–6 sentences in your own words, as if you are explaining the rules to a friend who just moved in.
You can start with something like, "In this building, we have to pay our own PUB bill." Try to mention all the main points, not just one. Use simple, clear English. This is good practice for reading your real tenancy agreement and building notices with more confidence.
Combined extract.
Tenancy Clause 5 – Utilities and Repairs
The Tenant shall be responsible for all PUB (water, electricity and gas) charges during the tenancy. The Landlord shall bear the cost of normal wear-and-tear repairs above SGD 150 per item. For minor repairs below SGD 150, the Tenant shall pay.
Condo House Rules – Noise and Common Areas
Residents must keep noise levels low between 11.00pm and 7.00am. Please avoid loud TV, music and parties at balconies or common corridors during these hours. Residents shall not place bicycles, shoes, strollers or other bulky items along the corridor or at the void deck. Any queries may be directed to the Management Office.
6. Mini project: handling two housing issues in writing.
You have now practised all the key pieces for solving common housing issues in Singapore: describing a problem, arranging repair times, understanding tenancy rules, and talking to neighbours calmly. In this final block, you will put everything together in a small mini project. I will give you a realistic scenario with two different problems, one for your agent or landlord, and one for your neighbour. Your job is to write two short messages, as if you are really sending them on WhatsApp. Try to use the language from this lesson: phrases like, "Hi, the aircon is leaking in the bedroom", "Can arrange servicing this week?", "I’ll be at home after 7pm", and, "Sorry to bother you, but the noise is quite loud." Also remember the cultural side. With your landlord or agent, you want to be clear, polite and firm enough so that action happens. With your neighbour, you want to protect the relationship and avoid sounding aggressive. After you write your two messages, I will give you detailed feedback and also reply briefly as the agent and as the neighbour, so you can feel how your writing might work in real life.
Putting it all together.
You are almost at the end of this lesson. Now it is time to use your new housing language in a full, realistic situation.
Your scenario.
You are living in a condo with your family. Two things are happening at the same time:
Maintenance issue: Your washing machine suddenly stops working in the middle of a wash. Water is still inside and the door cannot open. You are not sure if the Landlord or you should arrange the repair, and you do not remember what the tenancy agreement says about minor repairs.
Neighbour issue: Your neighbour along the corridor keeps their bicycle and two big boxes right outside your door. It is hard to pass, and you just saw a notice saying bulky items cannot be kept at the void deck or corridors.
You decide to handle both issues by WhatsApp.
Message A – to your agent or landlord.
Your goals:
say who you are and which unit you are in,
describe the washing machine problem clearly,
mention when it started,
ask who should arrange the repair and whether it is covered,
suggest one or two time windows when someone can come,
keep the tone polite but firm.
Useful chunks:
"The washing machine is not working."
"I’ll send you a photo of the problem."
"Can arrange servicing this week?"
"Thanks for helping to sort this out."
Message B – to your neighbour.
Your goals:
start with a friendly greeting and small apology,
mention your unit number,
describe the issue with the bicycle and boxes in a neutral way,
refer politely to the condo rule (no bulky items in corridor),
make a clear request for them to move the items,
close with thanks.
Useful chunks:
"Sorry to bother you, but the boxes outside are blocking the corridor."
"Could you please move them away from our door?"
"Thanks a lot, we really appreciate it."
In the activity below, you will write both messages in one answer.
Practice & Feedback
Using the scenario above, write two separate WhatsApp-style messages in one answer:
Message A – to your agent or landlord about the broken washing machine.
Message B – to your neighbour about the bicycle and boxes in the corridor.
To make it clear, label them like this in your answer:
Message A:
[your message here]
Message B:
[your message here]
For Message A, aim for 5–7 sentences. Describe the problem, mention since when, ask about repair and payment, suggest one or two times, and end with a polite thanks. For Message B, aim for 3–5 sentences. Use a soft opening, a neutral description, a specific request, and a warm closing.
Try to reuse at least three phrases from this lesson (for example, "Hi, the aircon is leaking in the bedroom" can become "Hi, the washing machine is not working", "Can arrange servicing this week?", "I’ll be at home after 7pm", "Sorry to bother you, but the noise is quite loud"). Focus on clarity, politeness and local-natural style.
You live in SunnyHeights Condo, unit #11-06. Your agent is called Michelle. You do not know your neighbour’s name, but their unit is #11-07 next door.
The washing machine stopped working today evening. It still has water and clothes inside. You are worried it might leak.
The bicycle and boxes have been outside your door for one week. The new condo notice says no bulky items along the corridor or at the void deck.
You decide to send two WhatsApp messages: one to Michelle, and one to your neighbour.
