Sengkang condo management says resident's 'doormat' was 'decorative items', were only moved to unit's doorstep

[UPDATE: Aug 25]

In response to AsiaOne's queries, High Park Residences' management corporation (MCST) clarified that the obstructing item was "not a doormat per se but decorative items comprising artificial turf and wooden planks protruding out of the unit's doorstep and onto the common property".

"The obstruction items were not removed but instead moved to the unit's doorstep," the MCST said in a statement.

The management corporation added it is currently undergoing its annual Fire Certification exercise, and that a thorough inspection of common property was carried out in the interest of residents' safety. And notices of the inspections were "broadcasted and displayed with ample notice".

"The exercise to clear obstruction of common property is an ongoing one to ensure that the management corporation continues to meet its legal obligations in keeping the common property free from obstructions," it said. 

They emphasised that there are "no issues with doormats on each unit's doorstep", except when items are placed on common property as it could cause a trip hazard, and "obstruction to means of escape or for access by wheelchairs / ambulance trollies".

"The MCST takes the view that it would be wrong for it to condone or allow for items to be placed in the common property which would then lead as a precedent; which could in turn pose serious issues to the residents when using the common areas as means of escape," it said.
 

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Condo residents might want to check if their doormats are still at their doorstep.

Frankie Lim, who lives at High Park Residences in Fernvale, took to Facebook last Sunday (Aug 20) to share a puzzling notice that an unidentified neighbour received on Friday.

Titled "Encroached items removed", the notice read that the condo management corporation (MCST) had "previously notified you (unit owner) about encroachment on common property and gave sufficient notice to remove the items".

"Since no action was taken on your part, we have moved the items to the management's holding area," the note continued. The resident was advised to approach the management office for permission to recover their item.

Written at the bottom of the notice was the description of the offending item: Doormat.

Lim told AsiaOne that he found out about the matter from a neighbour who sent him the notice.

He believes that the MCST is dealing with the affected unit "due to neighbour complaints" as he had observed that "most units have a doormat and shoes outside".

AsiaOne has reached out to High Park Residences Management Office but has yet to receive a response at the time of writing.

Several netizens shared similar experiences in the comments, pointing out that it was likely removed because of complaints.

Others reasoned that the management was trying to prevent clutter in the common areas and speculated that the doormat might be too large.

This headline has been edited for clarity.

ALSO READ: Man made to pay over $100 to release wheel clamp despite parking at condo's visitor lot

lim.kewei@asiaone.com