RES exam question on Torts, Mortgages & Co-ownership: Mr Aziz's neighbour, Ms Chong, renovates for three months
Mr Aziz's neighbour, Ms Chong, renovates for three months. Her contractor's dust and noise run daily until 10pm, a worker walks across Mr Aziz's garden without asking, and a loose tile falls from her roof onto his car. Which of the following statements are correct? (i) The daily dust and noise may be a private nuisance, being an unreasonable interference with his use of his land. (ii) The worker's walk across the garden is a trespass even though it caused no damage. (iii) Since the dust caused no physical damage, therefore it cannot amount to a nuisance. (iv) The falling tile may found a claim in negligence if Ms Chong failed to take reasonable care.
- A(ii), (iii) and (iv) only
- B(i) and (ii) only
- C(i), (ii) and (iv) only
- D(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Show answer & explanation
Answer
C. (i), (ii) and (iv) only
Explanation
Answer: (i), (ii) and (iv) only. Each act falls into a different tort, and nuisance needs no physical damage.(i) True. Persistent dust and noise until 10pm interfere with his enjoyment of his home.(ii) True. The walk was a direct, unpermitted entry, so no damage is needed.(iv) True. A tile falling onto his car through want of care is a negligence claim.Rule: Private nuisance is an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of land and needs no physical damage. Trespass to land is a direct, unauthorised entry, actionable per se; negligence needs duty, breach, causation and damage.Source: RESPrep /learn/property-torts-mortgages-co-ownership, current at 1 October 2026
Why the other options are wrong
- (iii) False. The dust caused no physical damage, but interference with comfort and enjoyment can be a nuisance without it.
Study the concept behind this question: Property Torts, Mortgages & Co-ownership (Singapore)
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