According to sources, the government has preliminarily finalized the legislative framework and details for regulating Basic Housing Units (BHUs). For subdivided flats with 30 to 36 months remaining on their leases that do not meet the specifications for simple housing, new leases cannot be signed. There will also be conditional certification for windows facing enclosed courtyards in these flats.
The public consultation on the regulatory system related to simple housing ended last month. Reports indicate that the government has tentatively established the legislative framework and details, with a registration period, including a grace period, totaling four years.
It is understood that for subdivided flats with 30 to 36 months remaining on their leases, if the owners wish to continue renting the units, they must first renovate and obtain certification as simple housing before they can continue renting. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to sign new leases with tenants to prevent owners from maximizing profits and delaying renovations or certifications under the pretext of having ongoing leases.
Regarding earlier suggestions to relax restrictions on windows for subdivided flats to face enclosed courtyards, it is understood that the authorities will conditionally accept this, stipulating that the courtyard cannot have a roof, and the lowest floor must have an entrance and exit for cleaning and maintenance.
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Chan Kwok-ki, stated that the authorities will report to the Legislative Council's Panel on Housing on the regulatory proposal on the 31st of this month, with a legislative draft to be submitted mid-year.
Chan said, "The aim is to help grassroots citizens by providing appropriate services so they do not become homeless. This is contrary to what we are advocating; we hope they can have a better living environment. Of course, assistance will be provided to those in need of subdivided flats; we will not ignore them and let them become homeless".
It is understood that the Housing Bureau will also charge a certification fee ranging from HK$1,000 to 3,000. To encourage owners to certify and promote regulation, the authorities are considering offering an "early bird discount", where earlier certification could lead to a full fee waiver. Additionally, after the successful certification of the first simple housing unit, the certification fees for other subdivided flats in the same unit will also be reduced.
Related News:
Dilemma at crossroad: When will 'public housing dream' of subdivided flat tenants come true?
Average waiting time for public housing drops to 5.3 years: John Lee
Comment