Consultation on Subdivided Flats Plan Begins: What You Need to Know

In a bid to improve living conditions and eradicate poor quality subdivided flats, a two-month consultation on proposed regulations has commenced in the city. The initiative, which began on Monday, aims to address concerns raised by lawmakers regarding potential homelessness among existing tenants if landlords rush renovations ahead of the new legislation.

Lawmakers Express Concerns

During a housing panel meeting, lawmaker Gary Zhang emphasized the importance of gathering public feedback on the policy. He underscored the need for a smooth transition to ensure that individuals do not lose their homes or residences in the process. Zhang’s remarks shed light on the government’s earnest intentions to uphold basic humanity levels within the housing sector.

Government’s Response

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, who leads the Task Force on Tackling the Issue of Subdivided Units, reassured the public that widespread evictions are unlikely to occur. Wong highlighted the existing protections under the landlord and tenant ordinance, emphasizing that tenant rights remain intact. He urged individuals to report any instances of landlords violating regulations, promising swift and serious action in response.

Proposed Policy Details

Under the proposed policy, subdivided flats must meet specific criteria, including a floor area of at least eight square meters and a minimum ceiling height of 2.3 meters. Landlords found renting out substandard units could face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to HK$300,000. Additionally, officials plan to seek public input on the grace period allotted for landlords to make necessary modifications to comply with the new standards.

Future Considerations

Amid concerns raised by lawmakers about potential shifts towards renting beds or guest rooms, which may exacerbate overcrowding issues, Wong assured that the government would explore additional policies to tackle such challenges. By examining related measures, authorities aim to mitigate any adverse consequences that may arise from the proposed regulations.