More standards for Basic Housing Units revealed

Authorities announced more details regarding the standard of Basic Housing Units, referring to the subdivided flats that would meet the requirements set out by the government after the regulations.

According to the press conferences elaborating on the latest Policy Address initiatives on Thursday, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin said the Basic Housing Unit must have a minimum area of eight square meters with a height restriction of no less than 2 meters from the floor to the beam, and at least 2.3 meters from the floor to the ceiling.

Ho said each Basic Housing Unit must have at least one window unless an approved exhaust fan is installed, while independent toilets must also equipped with an exhaust fan. 

Flame cooking is prohibited unless a separate kitchen is provided, and each unit must be equipped with fire detectors. 

She added that the width of corridors should comply with fire safety requirements, and fire doors and fire extinguishers should be installed.

Authorities said it aims to complete the relevant legislation within the next year, with registrations for the subdivided flats meeting the standards to be started in the fourth quarter next year at earliest. 

The registration period will last about one and a half years, followed by a grace period of one to two years for owners to revamp the unit. 

Landlords who fail to comply with the renovation requirements after the period will face a minimum jail term of two years.

Ho emphasized that the grace period can not be too short, as it is essential to provide enough time for existing subdivided units to revamp and comply with the Basic Housing Unit's standards. 

She also noted that the government will allow the existing subdivided units to continue rental during the registration and grace period, to avoid causing panic among residents.