The government of Hong Kong is taking steps to improve housing conditions in the city by introducing a new law that requires landlords of subdivided units to renew their registrations every five years. This move is part of an effort to phase out “substandard” homes and ensure that residents have access to safe and adequate housing.
According to Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho, landlords will need to register their name, address, and the size of the subdivided units. Each registration will be valid for five years. The government aims to have landlords register their units by the end of 2025 and complete necessary inspections by 2028 to ensure that the units meet the legal standards.
To be designated as “Basic Housing Units,” subdivided flats must be at least eight square meters in size and have a toilet and window. It is estimated that about a third of the city’s 108,200 subdivided units do not meet these minimum requirements, based on a 2021 Census report.
Landlords who fail to comply with the new legislation may face jail terms of at least two to three years, similar to the existing Bedspace Apartments Ordinance. The government is also considering extending deadlines on a case-by-case basis for owners facing challenges beyond their control.
Housing activists have raised concerns about the speed of the registration and renovation process, especially in terms of providing resettlement measures for tenants who may lose their homes if they do not meet the new requirements. The Kwai Chung Subdivided Units Kai Fong Association has also called for rent controls to prevent landlords from hiking rents to recover renovation costs.
Despite concerns about potential rent hikes, Secretary Ho assured the public that there will be enough public rental housing units and “Basic Housing Units” available to accommodate residents. She even suggested that rents could potentially go down as a result of the new legislation.
Overall, the government’s efforts to improve housing conditions in Hong Kong are a step in the right direction towards ensuring that all residents have access to safe and adequate housing. By holding landlords accountable for the condition of their subdivided units and providing support for tenants, the city can work towards eliminating substandard housing and creating a better living environment for all.
