Housing Authority proposes to criminalize serious abuse of public housing

The Housing Authority's Subsidized Housing Committee met today (Jan. 14) to discuss amendments to the Housing Ordinance, proposing to criminalize serious abuse of public housing.

Offenders could face fines of up to HK$500,000 and a year in prison for actions such as profiting from subletting or using public housing for commercial purposes without residency.

Currently, such abuses are regulated only by tenancy agreements. The proposed changes aim to enhance deterrence, focusing on severe misconduct rather than simply reclaiming units. Officials highlighted that public housing primarily serves the grassroots population and that serious abuse is not widespread.

The amendments would also expand enforcement powers, allowing Housing Department staff to check identification during investigations. Recent data shows that 5,000 public housing units were reclaimed in the past two years due to abuse or violations.

Additionally, starting tomorrow (Jan. 15), a "Report Public Housing Abuse Award" program will be launched, offering rewards of up to HK$3,000 for individuals who report abuses that lead to successful recoveries of public housing units.

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