Hong Kong is facing a housing crisis, with many residents living in extremely cramped and substandard conditions. 60-year-old cleaner Kei is one of those affected, paying HK$2,200 for a bedbug-infested partition measuring only 20 square feet in a Mong Kok flat shared with 14 other tenants. Kei, who earns about HK$500 a day, spends nearly the same amount on his cross-harbour commute.
Kei’s living situation is known as a “coffin home,” a space so small that it can barely fit a single bed and some personal belongings. Despite the government’s efforts to set minimum living standards and phase out low-quality homes, Kei’s type of dwelling is here to stay. Chief Executive John Lee recently announced new regulations requiring subdivided units to be at least eight square meters in size, with windows and an individual toilet.
While the government aims to improve living conditions for residents like Kei, the reality is that many people are still living in inadequate housing. It is estimated that about a third of sub-divided units in Hong Kong do not meet the new standards. Kei expressed his resignation to the situation, stating, “It is what it is. I didn’t have high expectations anyway.”
The issue of sub-standard housing is not limited to coffin homes. Many residents, like 75-year-old widow Au, are struggling to make ends meet in tiny living spaces. Au pays HK$2,500 a month for a 25-square-foot room that barely fits a bed, a small table, and a mini-fridge. The rents for these coffin homes are among the highest in the city, with some tenants paying exorbitant amounts for cramped and uncomfortable living conditions.
The government’s new regulations may improve some living conditions, but there are concerns about the impact on tenants. Some worry that landlords may raise rents significantly to offset the costs of renovations. Advocacy groups are calling for rent controls to prevent landlords from taking advantage of vulnerable tenants. Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of resettlement arrangements for tenants who may be displaced due to the renovations.
Despite the government’s efforts to address the housing crisis, there are still many challenges ahead. Housing activist Kenny Ng believes that the city should aim to phase out inadequate housing altogether. However, this goal may be difficult to achieve in the short term. As the government works to improve living conditions for residents like Kei and Au, it is essential to consider the needs of all those affected by the housing crisis.
