Policy Address 2024 | John Lee unveils plan to regulate subdivided units with mandatory minimum standards
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee delivers his third Policy Address today (Oct. 16) at the Legislative Council. He stressed that the Government has decided to legislate for renting subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings. SDUs meeting the required standards will be named as "Basic Housing Units".
He mentioned that current SDUs differ significantly in their conditions regarding fire safety, ventilation, floor area, availability of individual kitchens and toilets, and whether they are separated or combined. As such, setting minimum standards to eradicate inadequate SDUs is necessary.
According to Lee, substandard SDUs in residential buildings must be converted into "Basic Housing Units" that meet the required standards. The Government proposes that the standards of "Basic Housing Units" should include the provision of windows, an individual toilet, a floor area of no less than 8 square meters, etc.
SDUs must be confirmed by professionals their compliance with the required standards and apply for recognition. Otherwise, owners would have criminal liability to rent out substandard SDUs, while the tenants concerned will not be held liable, Lee said.
The Deputy Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Housing, being the head and deputy head of the Task Force, respectively, will announce the details and seek the views of the LegCo and stakeholders for drawing up the legislative proposals and related measures, such as the timetable for registration.
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