Property inspection is not merely a technical exercise — in Malaysia, it often has legal, financial, and liability dimensions. In 2025, with evolving regulations and rising dispute claims, it’s more important than ever for property owners, developers, JMBs/MCs, and inspectors to understand their obligations, the risks, and best practices.
In this post, we will cover:
- Legal & Regulatory Framework
- Key Inspection Obligations Under Malaysian Law
- Common Oversights by JMBs, MCs & Homeowners
- The Value of Façade & Renovation‑Stage Inspections
- Risks & Consequences of Non‑Compliance
- How Pro Inspect Solution Aligns with Legal Standards
- Best Practices for Staying Compliant & Safe
- Contact Pro Inspect Solution
- Conclusion & FAQs
1. Legal & Regulatory Framework
Before diving into inspection requirements, it helps to understand the legal backdrop that shapes them.
1.1 Act 133 — Street, Drainage & Building Act 1974 (Section 85A)
One of the most important provisions is Section 85A, which requires periodic inspections every 10 years for buildings exceeding five storeys, commencing after the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) is issued. The objective is to detect structural deterioration and ensure ongoing safety.
1.2 Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984
The UBBL offers technical standards that buildings must comply with in terms of structure, drainage, fire safety, ventilation, and more. Inspectors refer to UBBL (especially Part V) to assess whether structural integrity, load paths, and safety features remain in compliance over time.
1.3 Strata Management Act 2013
In strata properties (condominiums, apartments, serviced residences), the Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC) becomes legally responsible for maintaining and inspecting common property — including structural and safety components. Neglecting these duties can lead to legal claims among owners or regulatory scrutiny.
1.4 Housing Development (Control & Licensing) Act 1966 — Defect Liability Period (DLP)
Under the DLP, developers are liable to rectify defects reported within 24 months post‑handover. Homebuyers and owners should proactively inspect and document defects (structural, finishing, waterproofing, etc.) to enforce claims during this period.
1.5 Proposed Reforms & Inspector Licensing (2025 Onwards)
In 2025, the government is working on reforms to establish licensing, regulation, and accountability of building inspectors. This is expected to raise professional standards and enhance consumer protection. Forward-looking inspection firms are already aligning with these changes.
2. Key Inspection Obligations Under Malaysian Law (2025 Edition)
With the legal framework in place, here’s what stakeholders must do:
2.1 Periodic Inspections for High‑Rise Buildings (>5 Storeys)
- Undertake inspections every 10 years.
- Use a registered professional engineer to lead the assessment.
- Submit reports to local authorities where required.
- Assess structural systems, façade, drainage, safety elements, and recommend remedial works.
2.2 Developer Obligations During the DLP (24 Months)
- Address and repair reported defects at no extra cost.
- Accept defect reports by professional inspectors as valid evidence.
- Ensure transparency and timely rectification.
2.3 Strata Entities (JMB / MC) Responsibilities
- Budget, plan, and execute regular inspections of common property and structural systems.
- Engage qualified inspectors.
- Use inspection data for maintenance planning and risk mitigation.
2.4 Low-Rise & Private Properties
- Not universally mandated under Section 85A, but strongly advisable — especially for older buildings or those undergoing renovations.
- Many owners initiate condition surveys before resale, renovation, or insurance assessments.
3. Common Oversights by JMBs, MCs & Homeowners
Even awareness of legal requirements does not guarantee full coverage. Several critical inspection areas are frequently neglected:
- Façade condition checks — detachment of cladding, tile cracks, spalling, waterproofing failures
- Roof parapets, balconies, and gutter systems
- Window sealing, expansion joints, and façade penetrations
- Hidden drainage pipe defects
- Structural elements behind finishes (beams, lintels, columns)
- Progress of renovation works — modifications, structural changes, or concealment of defects
Such omissions often lead to disputes, deterioration, or safety hazards down the road.
4. The Value of Façade & Renovation‑Stage Inspections
4.1 Façade Inspections: Not Mandatory, but Highly Recommended
While current law may not mandate façade inspections, they are a best practice, especially for medium- to high-rise properties. Detecting early defects in the façade using drone-based imaging or thermal scanning helps prevent structural and safety failures later.
4.2 Renovation Projects: Bring in a Third‑Party Inspector
We’ve seen a spike in disputes between homeowners and contractors over workmanship, structural alterations, waterproofing, or finishing defects. Many defects only become apparent after wall finishes or ceilings are closed.
Best practice: Engage an impartial inspection firm to audit work at critical stages (e.g. post-hacking, pre-tiling, just before handover). This creates a protective record, ensures contract compliance, and reduces conflict. Pro Inspect Solution receives many requests from clients in renovation disputes — most of which could have been avoided with periodic oversight.
5. Risks & Consequences of Non‑Compliance
Failing to carry out required inspections or neglecting critical areas may lead to:
- Regulatory penalties or enforcement notices
- Denied or disputed insurance claims
- Structural failure liability
- Legal claims among owners, developers, or contractors
- Decline in property value and reputational damage
- Increased costs for remedial work compared to early detection
6. How Pro Inspect Solution Aligns with Legal Standards & Best Practices
At Pro Inspect Solution, we build our services around both technical excellence and legal compliance:
- Every inspection is led or reviewed by a registered professional engineer
- Reports follow UBBL, Section 85A, DLP requirements, and future inspector licensing expectations
- We integrate advanced technologies (LiDAR, 360° imaging, thermal drones) to catch subtle or hidden defects
- We offer façade assessments and renovation-stage audits in addition to statutory inspections
- We maintain thorough documentation, systematic reporting, and ethical transparency
This alignment supports our clients in meeting regulatory obligations, defending against disputes, and protecting property value.
7. Best Practices for Staying Compliant & Safe
Here are practical recommendations:
- 📅 Plan periodic inspections ahead of deadlines, not just after notices
- 🔎 Engage certified inspectors, not unverified “inspection service providers”
- 🗃️ Keep full digital documentation — reports, photos, measurements
- 🏗️ Include façade and hidden element checks in inspection scope
- 🧱 In renovation projects, use third-party audits at key milestones
- ⚖️ Budget for remedial works based on inspection findings
- 🏆 Stay updated on regulatory updates and adjust your procedures accordingly
8. Contact Pro Inspect Solution
If you manage a property, development, renovation project, or strata scheme, Pro Inspect Solution is ready to assist with legally compliant and technically rigorous inspections.
Contact Information
📞 +60 16‑806 4902
📧 inspectsolution.pro@gmail.com
🏢 11‑2, Jalan PJS 8/11, Dataran Mentari,
46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
🌐 inspectsolution.pro
We offer periodic building inspections, façade checks, renovation audits, and statutory condition surveys. Let us help your property stay safe, compliant, and dispute-free.
9. Conclusion & FAQs
Conclusion
Property inspection laws in Malaysia are becoming more stringent, and 2025 is a turning point for regulatory compliance. Buildings over five storeys must undergo 10‑year inspections; developers are bound by DLP; strata bodies must maintain common property; and façade or renovation defects, though often overlooked, carry real risks.
By working with a professional, legally informed inspection provider — one that embraces both regulatory requirements and advanced tools — property owners can mitigate risk, resolve disputes, and preserve asset value. Pro Inspect Solution is committed to delivering precisely that.
FAQs
Q1. Is façade inspection mandatory under Malaysian law?
No — it is not currently mandated. However, it is a best practice to detect early defects.
Q2. When should I hire a third-party inspector during renovation?
At key stages like after wall hacking, before tiling, before installing ceilings, and just prior to final handover.
Q3. Who qualifies to perform statutory building inspections?
A registered professional engineer, preferably with experience in structural or building condition assessments.
Q4. What is DLP and how does it apply?
DLP stands for Defect Liability Period — a 24‑month window post-handover during which the developer is obligated to fix reported defects.
Q5. Can non‑compliance result in lawsuits?
Yes — liability from structural failure, insurance denial, or owner disputes may arise if inspections are neglected.
Q6. How can I begin with Pro Inspect Solution?
Just contact us via phone or email; we’ll schedule a site consultation and help you understand the required steps and cost.
