The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) Subsidised Housing Committee has approved adjustments to the "Well-off Tenants Policies," set to take effect in October 2026. Under the revised policy, additional rents for well-off public housing tenants will increase from the current 1.5 to 2 times the standard rent to 2.5 to 4.5 times. The policy is expected to affect around 40,000 well-off public housing households.
This adjustment is designed to make better use of scarce public housing resources, uphold fairness, and reflect the principle of "those who can afford more should pay more." It also encourages upward mobility among well-off families, ensuring that valuable public housing is allocated to families in greater need.
The HA emphasized that the tightened policy is not intended to penalize well-off tenants or generate revenue. The revision affects only 40,000 households, less than 5% of the 800,000 public housing households in Hong Kong, leaving grassroots tenants unaffected. The policy targets public housing residents with accumulated wealth rather than the general low-income population.
Of the affected households, 35,000 will pay 2.5 times the rent (approximately 90%), 4,200 will pay 3.5 times, and about 200 will pay 4.5 times. Even under the new rules, rent for well-off households will account for around 11% of their income, comparable to other public housing tenants, and far below the median rent-to-income ratio of 31.5% for private housing tenants. The additional rent will not impose a significant burden on these households.
Public housing, as a government-provided safety net for low-income families, aims to prioritize those in real need. Raising rents for well-off tenants ensures fair and efficient use of these resources, enabling more precise allocation to needy families. The adjustments represent a constructive refinement of the "Well-off Tenants Policies."
At the same time, the new policy reflects the principle of encouraging well-off households to pursue upward mobility. The mandatory eviction threshold for "super well-off tenants" has been adjusted. Currently, tenants with incomes exceeding the limit by five times must vacate their units. This will be revised to apply to those whose incomes exceed the limit by four times over two consecutive declarations (within four years), affecting approximately 400 households. However, well-off tenants who voluntarily relocate will remain eligible to purchase Green Form Subsidized Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats or Home Ownership Scheme flats within four years of moving out.
Additionally, the HA approved a series of complementary measures to optimize the policy, such as increasing the allocation ratio of HOS flats to Green Form applicants and allowing tenants who purchase private or subsidized housing to continue renting public housing during the waiting period for possession of their new units.
The Authority is also exploring new initiatives under the subsidized housing sales program to help well-off tenants purchase their preferred homes, increasing their chances of homeownership. These measures aim to reduce subsidies for well-off tenants while creating more opportunities for them to purchase subsidized housing, encouraging upward mobility. This policy adjustment motivates well-off households to improve their living conditions and release public housing resources for those in greater need.
Addressing grassroots housing challenges is a top priority for the current HKSAR government. Initiatives such as Light Public Housing, replacing substandard subdivided flats, and building "community living rooms" aim to improve living conditions for families with urgent housing needs. Enhancing the "Well-off Tenants Policies" aligns with these grassroots housing policies, ensuring public housing resources are better utilized to meet the housing needs of more low-income families.
(Source: Wen Wei Po)
Related News:
Govt to tighten 'well-off tenants policy' to regulate public housing resources
Comment