Hong Kong proposes 3-year jail terms, fines for landlords who rent out substandard flats
Proposal revealed after housing chief urged landlords not to illegally chase out tenants for renovation before minimum standards finalised
Hong Kong landlords who rent out low-quality subdivided homes could face up to three years in jail and HK$300,000 (US$38,550) in fines under a proposed government plan to wipe out poor quality flats, the Housing Bureau has told lawmakers.
A document submitted to the legislature on Wednesday said the government would launch a public consultation on the proposed regulations on Monday next week, allowing residents to voice their opinion until submissions closed on February 10.
The bureau revealed further details about possible fines and jail terms a day after Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin warned landlords against illegally chasing out tenants to conduct renovations before the minimum standards were finalised.
The Concerning Subdivided Units Alliance, a group helping tenants of poor-quality housing, said the penalties might deter landlords from renting out substandard flats, depending on the enforcement.
“But we have doubts about that ... Past enforcement actions rely on tenants reporting to authorities. Yet, they are reluctant to do so as they worry about being evicted,” member Isaac Lin Wai-hin said.
“With the new proposal, we believe the situation will be worsened as evicted tenants may have to pay more rent with an improved living environment.”
