d) Deed of Mutual Covenant

d) Deed of Mutual Covenant

The deed of mutual covenant (commonly known as “DMC”) is a document which regulates the relationship between the co-owners and occupants of individual units in a multi-storey building, setting out their rights and obligations.  The DMC is legally binding upon all the owners, persons deriving title from the owners and occupants of the building, including tenants of individual units.

In a typical DMC, the following restrictions, which are of particular relevance to the occupants of individual units in a building, can usually be found:-

(a) Not to make any structural alteration to the individual unit or any part of the building.

(b) Not to cut, alter or interfere with any water or gas pipes, electrical conduits or plumbing or drainage pipes intended for the use of the whole building.

(c) Not to use or permit or suffer any unit of the building to be used for any illegal, unlawful or immoral purpose.

(d) Not to do or permit anything in the unit to become a nuisance or annoyance or cause damage or inconvenience to the owners or occupiers of the building.

(e) Not to project or display any sign, notice or advertisement at the window or at the balcony or on the exterior wall of the building.

(f) Not to convert any common parts of the building to its own use.

Some DMCs may contain more draconian prohibitions, for example occupiers are not allowed to hang out laundry outside the exterior of the building, or restrictions on keeping of pets.