‘The reno worker just let them in': Woman horrified as neighbours invade her new BTO unit

Independent Singapore

29-05-2025

SINGAPORE: A woman was shocked to find a group of neighbours had entered her newly renovated BTO flat without her knowledge or consent. Among them were two children, a domestic helper, an elderly woman, and two other women.
According to the woman's colleague, who shared the incident on the r/SingaporeRaw subreddit on Wednesday (May 28), the flat had just been fully renovated and professionally cleaned, ready for move-in. The woman and her husband had been eagerly anticipating starting their new life there, but were caught completely off guard when they turned up to find unfamiliar faces inside their home.
The unexpected visitors, who live on the same floor, had apparently been curious about the renovation works and were let in by a renovation worker who happened to be there at the time.
'The worker didn't want any trouble, didn't know how to say no (I'm guessing they were being pushy too), and just let them in,' the colleague said.
When the couple arrived and saw what was happening, they were understandably furious. They immediately confronted the group and told them to 'Get out!'. One of the women reportedly went pale and pleaded with them not to scare the children.
Curious about how other locals would handle the situation, the colleague asked in her post: 'What would you do when nosy neighbours trespass into your new BTO unit without your presence?' 'This is not worth bothering about.'
Rather than confronting them harshly, many commenters felt that taking a more understanding and friendly approach would be better. One Redditor suggested, 'Just be friendly and do a house tour for them. Can ask to see their unit as well.
Will be seeing them for the next five years at least. How to face them after screaming at them?'
Another echoed this sentiment, stating, 'Considering you plan to stay there for the foreseeable future, it doesn't make sense to antagonise your new neighbours (however kpo they are). Benefit of the doubt, they're just interested in getting design ideas, or are just born with no boundaries. Suggest to just chat them up and discuss your reno.'
A third wrote, 'Nothing. This is not worth bothering about. If they were there with an old lady and kids in tow, they were obviously not there to create trouble, steal your stuff, or harass you (they were obviously not expecting the owners to be home). They were just there to look-see/kaypoh as if it was a new shop being built, and they didn't even realise that it would offend anyone.' Trespassing
In Singapore, trespassing is considered a criminal offence. Under Section 447 of the Penal Code, any individual who unlawfully enters another person's property with the intent to cause annoyance or harm may be charged with criminal trespass.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,500, or both.
Read also: 'Am I the bad guy?' — Worker says his colleague got retrenched after he automated 90% of her tasks
Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)