Basic Housing Unit regime opens for registration

The Basic Housing Unit (BHU) regime, part of the government's effort to tackle the long-standing issue of substandard subdivided units, opened for registration on Sunday.

Under the principle of "registration first, enforcement later", a 48-month transitional period is in place to allow landlords a reasonable time to adapt to the new statutory requirements. 

The criminal offense for the illegal letting of subdivided units without registration and recognition will not come into effect until March 1 next year. 

A government spokesman stressed that while the issue of substandard subdivided units has accumulated over many years, the authorities accord top priority to the well-being of tenants and will implement the BHU regime in an orderly manner. 

During the first year, the Housing Bureau will primarily motivate owners of pre-existing subdivided units to submit their registration applications as soon as possible, which will grant them a 36-month grace period to carry out any necessary renovation works.

All pre-existing units, regardless of whether they currently comply with the minimum standards, are welcome to register for free to obtain this grace period.

Furthermore, the Bureau will assist affected households through its six District Service Teams. 

These teams will help tenants find alternative accommodation in the private market for relocation and coordinate other housing resources, such as transitional housing, hostels for single persons, and interim housing, to provide temporary shelter.