Hong Kong is expected to start taking enforcement action against landlords of unregistered or poor-quality subdivided flats from as early as 2028 after the proposed clampdown’s grace period of up to two years comes to an end, a minister has said.
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin on Sunday shared more details about the road map for tackling the city’s notorious subdivided flats, after the chief executive’s policy address outlined plans to phase out homes smaller than 86 sq ft that lacked windows and independent toilets.
The government was set to start the legislative process in 2025, followed by a registration period that could take 12 to 18 months, she said.
Under the proposed shake-up, registered landlords will be given a grace period of one to two years to make the necessary changes to their properties. They will be able to continue renting out the homes in the meantime.
Registered flats that meet the government’s planned requirements will be redesignated as “basic housing units” and can continue to be leased out to tenants.
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HKU scholar: phasing out smallest subdivided flats could push up rents of remaining units
HKU scholar: phasing out smallest subdivided flats could push up rents of remaining units
“If society believes we can expedite this process, we can start enforcing the law in 2028 – two years after the legislation – against those who fail to register and are found in violation of our regulations,” the minister told a radio programme.
