Who's responsible for what
As a flat owner, you're responsible for maintaining the fittings and fixtures inside your flat (MyNiceHome (HDB), How to Maintain Your HDB Flat). Your Town Council manages and maintains common property, such as corridors, void decks, staircases and the external parts of the block (HDB, Function of HDB Branches and Town Councils).
- Termites inside your flat (cabinets, wardrobes, door frames, flooring): you arrange and pay for treatment with a licensed operator.
- Activity that seems to come from common property (a corridor, riser, void deck, or the unit next door): tell your Town Council as well. Treating inside your flat alone may not stop activity that starts outside it.
- Activity in a neighbour's unit: let them know. Subterranean termites can travel between units along pipes and service ducts.
New flats and the defect liability period
New HDB flats come with a one-year defect liability period (DLP) from key collection. During this period you can submit a request to HDB to rectify defects in the flat, online or at your Building Service Centre. After the DLP, owners generally engage their own contractor, or can approach the HDB Branch for advice (HDB, Rectification of Defects in New Flats).
If you find termites in a new flat, take photos and ask HDB whether the issue falls under the DLP before you replace any original fittings. Termites in carpentry you installed yourself are normally your own responsibility.
How termites are usually treated in a flat
- Inspection. The operator confirms whether they're subterranean or drywood termites and traces where they're coming from. See subterranean vs drywood termites.
- Treatment plan. For subterranean termites in flats, baiting is common, including above-ground bait stations fixed on active mud trails. Spot treatment, and drilling and injecting into floor slabs or masonry for corrective work, are also used (PestClinic, Termite Treatment). Drywood termites are usually treated locally inside the timber, for example with foam.
- Follow-up visits to check bait stations or confirm that activity has stopped.
- Warranty. Get the length and terms in writing.
If an operator proposes drilling into floors or walls, ask how they'll handle it in an HDB flat, and check HDB's renovation guidelines if you're unsure whether the work needs approval.
Carpentry: treat, repair or replace?
- Pest control operators treat the termites. Repairing or replacing damaged cabinets, wardrobes or door frames is normally a separate job for a carpenter or contractor.
- Ask the operator to confirm that activity has stopped before you reinstall carpentry. Otherwise new carpentry can become the next target.
- Don't throw away damaged pieces before they've been inspected. They show the operator where the termites have been.
Renovating?
Renovation is the easiest time to deal with termites, because cabinets and flooring are out and the operator can reach the walls and floor. Hacking can also disturb an existing colony. If you're planning works, read pre-renovation termite treatment and agree the timing with your contractor before carpentry goes in.
What it costs (indicative)
- Termite corrective work with a warranty in HDB flats: S$800–1,800 (KakiList, Pest Control Cost in Singapore (2026), updated Apr 2026).
- Pre-renovation termite inspection and treatment: S$200–400 (KakiList, Pest Control Cost in Singapore (2026), updated Apr 2026).
- Baiting with monitoring: from S$700 per year. Drywood foaming: from S$300 (Rentokil Singapore, Termite Treatment Price in Singapore).
Prices checked on 26 October 2026. These are published ranges and starting prices, not quotes. Your price depends on inspection. More in the termite price guide.
Before the operator arrives
- Leave mud tubes and damaged wood undisturbed, and don't spray them.
- Clear the cabinets and wardrobes where you've seen activity so they can be inspected.
- Note where and when you first noticed anything, and whether neighbours have had problems.
- Let the operator know about pets, young children or anyone with health conditions in the home.
Questions
Does the Town Council treat termites inside my flat?
Generally no. The Town Council looks after common property such as corridors and void decks, and owners maintain the inside of their flat. If termites seem to be coming from common areas, tell your Town Council as well as arranging treatment inside.
My BTO flat is new. Will HDB fix termite damage?
New flats have a one-year defect liability period, during which you can ask HDB to rectify defects. Submit a request with photos and ask whether the termite issue is covered. Carpentry you installed yourself is normally your responsibility.
Do I need to move out during termite treatment?
Usually not for baiting or spot treatment. Your operator will say if any room needs to be cleared or left empty for a while.
Related
More guides
- Signs of termites in an HDB flat, and where to look
- Bed bugs after travel: how to avoid bringing them home
- How much does termite treatment cost in Singapore?
- Termite baiting vs soil treatment (chemical barrier)
- Bed bug treatment: cost and preparation checklist
- How to choose an NEA-licensed pest control operator
- How to tell if you have bed bugs
- Bed bug treatment: heat vs chemical, and how to prepare
- Subterranean vs drywood termites: how to tell them apart
- Pre-renovation termite treatment: is it worth it?
- Termites in a condo: working with your MCST
Found termites in your flat? Tell us what you're dealing with and we'll pass your request to up to 3 NEA-licensed operators who cover your area. It's free, with no obligation.