Group urges controls on subdivided unit rents

A concern group said some landlords are already  asking for rent increases after the Chief Executive promised cash subsidies for low-income households. The group called on the government to study rent control measures, RTHK reports.
The Carrie Lam administration had announced last month that it will look into introducing rent control for subdivided flats. But the Alliance of Promoting Tenancy Control said this is not good enough as the authorities did not set any timetable.
Tammy Chu said the group interviewed 240 people living in substandard flats, and one-third of said they are facing higher rents.
Chu said any subsidies paid to poorer sections will be preyed upon by greedy landlords.
So the group proposed rent controls, under which landlords of subdivided flats can't ask for a rent increase of more than 10 percent when they renew the contract.
The group urged the government to consult the public over the issue, before deciding on rent controls.