Tip-off plan to report illegal subdivided flats

Stacy Shi

The administration is considering introducing a tip-off mechanism for residents to report illegal subdivided flats following the launch of the basic housing units, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin said.

It comes after the administration renamed the units that meet the authorities' requirements as basic housing units. Those renting substandard units could face three years of imprisonment and a HK$300,000 fine.

While the community shares a consensus that a stronger deterrent effect is required for regulating subdivided units, Ho noted imprisonment penalties in ordinances regulating bed space apartments.

"If the public supports [reporting scheme], we will have the same reporting mechanism for our future basic housing units or consider offering rewards."

She said the administration would take public opinions into consideration and hopes that they would join hands to eliminate substandard subdivided units.

"We hope that everyone won't wait until informants and the reward system and that everyone agrees to follow the new rules and register the flats," Ho said.

"We'll see how effective the new system is - and we'll see if we need to offer rewards in addition to the regular reporting system."

The administration is currently working to pass the basic housing unit bill next year, with the registration system expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of next year at the earliest.

Ho proposed a grace period for modifications, with a minimum of two years and a maximum of 3.5 years.

Additionally, the authorities have proposed adjusting the ratio of public housing to subsidized sale flats to 6:4 in five years.

However, Ho stated that they would maintain the target waiting time for public rental housing at three years, citing an expected increase in the number of recovered public rental housing units due to a rise in tenants returning their PRH units after purchasing Home Ownership Scheme flats.

She explained that same-sex couples are now allowed to apply for public housing, however, adding them to the queue will not lengthen the waiting time. Meanwhile the bureau will continue to analyze relevant measures, she said.

"We have not received many cases so far, but the situation in the future will depend on the development of the society."