Government to evaluate subdivided flats, ban the low-quality ones
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is considering developing an evaluation system to assess the quality of life in subdivided housing units, to prohibit the rental of subpar accommodations.
The move was disclosed by participants in a meeting held by government officials who are tasked with tackling issues related to lowquality subdivided flats.
The evaluation process, part of a planned registration system, would be compulsory for all owners of subdivided homes who seek to rent out their properties.
Flats failing to meet certain criteria would be barred from being leased.
By banning low-quality subdivided flats, the government aims to improve the living environment for lower-income families.
The Task Force on Tackling the Issue of Subdivided Units, established in November, recently met with the stakeholders and local political party representatives to solicit input on the matter. Their findings are expected to be submitted to the chief executive in August.
Under the proposed evaluation system, the government plans to determine the quality of a subdivided unit based on a total floor area, rather than per capita living space.
To reduce the impact of the new regulation on residents, the landlords may be granted an extended period of time to upgrade their properties.
During the meeting, the participants also urged the authorities to address various unacceptable conditions in many subdivided flats, including poor ventilation, cramped quarters, and having the kitchen and toilet in the same room.
They called for clear and detailed standards and guidelines for the registration system to avoid disputes and loopholes.
The discussions included members from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong — the city’s largest trade union and political party respectively.
According to data from the 2021 Population Census, there were 107,400 households, or 215,700 individuals, residing in about 108,200 subdivided units.
As part of its strategy to improve living conditions for subdivided flat tenants, the government has announced the expansion of the Pilot Programme on Community Living Room.
This year, three new community living rooms will be open in To Kwa Wan, Hung Hom, and Nam Cheong — densely populated districts in Kowloon known for their high concentration of subdivided flats.
The initiative is designed to provide residents of subdivided units and their families with additional space for daily activities such as cooking, dining, doing laundry, and studying.
The inaugural facility, located in Sham Shui Po, opened its doors in December.
With the addition of the three new facilities, the program is poised to provide service to 1,750 subdivided-flat households, and potentially benefit 270,000 people each year.