Legalisation programme enables house owners with illegal renovations to get CFs

Friday, 27 January 2012 08:21

The legalisation programme for completed house renovations and extensions that have not been approved by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) will continue to be carried out this year to assist owners in acquiring Certificate of Fitness (CF) for their homes.

“Obtaining the CF for their homes has many advantages. One of the most important is making it easy to legally buy or sell these houses,” MPAJ public relations officer Norhayati Ahmad said.

She said complaints about home renovations usually came in during the festive season.

“The areas with the most cases are in Taman Keramat and Pandan Indah,” she added.

According to Norhayati, only completed modifications will be considered under the programme.

“Those who have built additions or renovated the house’s original structure without approval or did not comply with the approved plan can apply,” she said.

She also said that one of the most important aspects of getting the CF was gaining approval from neighbours.

“The onus is on the owner to get a written letter of consent from the left and right side neighbours. Those who have additional extensions at the back of their homes will also need to get consent from the neighbour behind the house,” she said.

Owners will also need to appoint a qualified architect or Malaysia Board of Architects (LAM) registered Building Plan Draftsman to check the structure.

When applying for the CF, owners will need to present Form A (plan submission form), complete building plans, a copy of the title deed or sales and purchase agreement, neighbours’ consent letters, Letter of Responsibility for the existing building and settle the plan processing payment.

Norhayati said each application would be looked into on a case-by- case basis.

“We want to prioritise safety of these structures and that it will not cause harm in the future,” she said, adding that they would not be issuing compounds to the owners with regard to the matter.

Most residents welcome the move as it settles what many consider a long-standing issue.

“Sometimes you see some house renovations and you wonder if it is safe or not.

“This move will help clear up this important issue,” a resident who wishes to remain anonymous from Bukit Indah said.

Owners can get the application form for the programme at the Building and Architecture Department at MPAJ or the council website.

For details, call 03-4280 4197, 03-4296 8009 or 03-4296 8169.

From The Star