Government considers extending grace period for basic housing units

The government is contemplating an extension of the proposed grace period for basic housing units from one or two years to three years, according to Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin. 

This consideration follows the completion of stakeholder consultations on the proposed regulatory regime for basic housing units, which concluded on February 10, receiving 2,200 views -- 1,600 of which used templates with largely similar content.

In a radio program on Sunday, Ho said that many respondents urged the government to establish initial rent caps and minimum per-person living space for subdivided units. 

She acknowledged the challenge of balancing larger spaces with lower rents, saying the "inherent conflict" faced by landlords.

Some stakeholders suggested extending the grace period to 36 months, allowing landlords time for renovations or tenants time to relocate. 

“We are categorizing feedback and conducting analysis, and extending the grace period is under consideration,” Ho said.

Proposals also included discussions on ventilation standards. Some respondents recommended using exhaust fans or windows facing light wells as alternatives for units unable to install conventional windows.

However, Ho dismissed the idea of exhaust fans as inadequate, likening such setups to “living in a box,” which she deemed unacceptable.

Ho added the government's intention to finalize legislation within this year, followed by a registration period. 

Landlords who fail to register non-compliant units would face immediate enforcement. "The government’s determination to regulate is clear," she said.

While it may not be feasible to relocate subdivided flat residents within the same district or provide relocation subsidies, Ho said that moving to government-provided transitional housing would offer “priceless benefits” for children. 

She also said that the government’s 10-year land supply plan aims to ensure sufficient public housing to meet demand, claiming the city has “reversed the imbalance” in housing availability.

(Ayra Wang)