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The government-subsidized BeLIVING Youth Hub in Causeway Bay, converted from a hotel and operated by the Hong Kong United Youth Association, will cease operation on February 28 after less than three years, forcing more than 100 young residents to move out amid claims of over HK$10 million in unpaid rent by the operator.
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The 194-bed facility, formerly the Hotel Ease Causeway Bay, opened in March 2023 under the Home Affairs and Youth Bureau’s youth hostel scheme, offering rooms from 176 to 324 sq ft at rents starting from HK$3,800 per month.
Residents received verbal notice last week to vacate by late February, leaving only about one and a half months—including the Lunar New Year holiday—to find new accommodation.
Many criticized the short notice period and the requirement to sign termination agreements to reclaim deposits, with no mention of compensation.
Some fear they may end up homeless if they cannot secure alternative youth hostel places in time, as other hostels are already receiving a surge of urgent applications from BeLIVING tenants.
The owner, Gale Well Group, placed the entire Morrison Hill Road building on the market in late 2024 through First Pacific Davidsons with an initial asking price of about HK$630 million, later reduced to HK$500 million.
Group CEO Jacinto Tong Man-Leung said the Hong Kong United Youth Association owes more than a year’s rent totalling over HK$10 million, likely leading to the decision to end operations due to losses.
He noted the group, as landlord, has no direct authority over subtenants but is left bearing the financial burden.
The Hong Kong United Youth Association confirmed the lease ends on February 28 and said it was informed no renewal would be offered.
It has assisted nearly half the residents with applications to other youth hostels in the past week, will maintain close contact, and plans farewell events.
The association did not respond to questions about the alleged rent arrears.
