IT WAS H.K. Law’s dream to buy a home of his own. After paying RM580 a month to rent an apartment in Setapak for years, it was indeed a dream come true when he finally bought his dream home.  

The dream home was a condominium in Cheras and, just like the advertising brochure, the show room had been impressive.  

Chang (left) and Suzie Low, another volunteer, studying a case at the association’s office.

“I’d rather pay the RM1, 100 for monthly loan repayments than fork out RM580 for a property that is not mine,” he said. 

However, the property was delivered late and Law is still waiting to move into his new home.  

Now, on top of the RM580 that he has to pay for monthly rental, he is also servicing the bank loan for his so called ‘dream’ home. 

Law’s friend Alan Chong, who also owns a unit, said they had only recently received the keys to their units but it did not matter, as there was still no electricity or water supply.  

“There are also a few defects here and there and what irks us most is the developer has decided to increase the maintenance fees by almost 50%,” said Low.  

Law picking up a brochure at the association office.

Both feel the increase is alright as long as it is justifiable, but in this case, they don’t think it was. 

They decided to seek help via the National House Buyers Association(HBA).  

HBA, a voluntary non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organisation, was established to promote awareness of the legal rights and liberties of members on all real properties.  

The association undertakes independent authoritative interest, co-ordinates a check and balance to protect the rights of members/buyers and advises members to protect their legitimate interests in the housing industry. 

“We’re like the watchdog in the housing industry, to obtain feedback and collect data/proposals for the betterment of the industry,” said HBA secretary-general Chang Kim Loong.  

“Apart from meeting with the public each week, we also conduct mediation with house buyers, developers and government agencies, help find solutions for aggrieved buyers, and also assist in the formation of a joint management committee,” Chang said.  

According to Chang, the most important thing that he tells house buyers who are facing problems with their properties and developers is to form residents' associations (RAs).  

‘They have to stand united and strong and speak as one entity in order to be heard,” he said. 

“In most cases, developers shun RAs and actually deter residents from forming them,” he said.  

Chang also advises owners to lodge complaints with the Ministry as it their responsibility to do so. 

“No complaint, no action will be taken and the sad part is that there is no system to monitor complaints like strata title applications,” he said. 

The association conducts weekly meet-the-public sessions on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm.

HBA also has published a booklet called the House Buyers Guide, which is important to anyone thinking of buying properties.  

“It contains all the necessary information and checklists, it gives would-be house buyers an abundance of knowledge for the buying of a house, minus the trauma and suffering,” said Chang.  

“Also, before buying a property make sure you find out if the developer is trustworthy. A check with the Housing Ministry’s or our website on developers who have been blacklisted will be most helpful,” added Chang.