Hong Kong may reward residents who report subpar flats breaching new rules
Housing minister says government may adopt reward mechanism similar to one for reporting tenants abusing public housing
Hong Kong authorities will consider rewarding individuals who report subpar subdivided flats once the government introduces a regulatory framework aimed at wiping out such low-quality homes, the housing minister has said.
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin said on Sunday the government would consider setting up the mechanism for reporting substandard subdivided flats, similar to a scheme authorities would soon roll out to combat abuse of public housing resources.
Starting in January, members of the public who provide information that allows authorities to reclaim a public rental flat being misused will receive HK$3,000 (US$386) cash and a certificate of appreciation. But the participants must provide their personal details.
“If the public supports this approach of having a reporting system for [subdivided flats] in the future, which may include small rewards, to eliminate subpar subdivided flats, we will listen to [that] view,” Ho said in a televised interview.
But Ho said she hoped landlords would abide by the regulation on their own accord.
The government has launched a public consultation this month on its proposal to wipe out substandard subdivided homes. The requirements will mandate that flats be at least 86 sq ft, have a ceiling height of 2.3 metres (7.5 feet), proper windows and at least one toilet in each home.
Only flats that meet the standard can be legally leased as a “basic housing unit”. The suggested maximum penalty for renting out subpar housing is three years in jail and a HK$300,000 fine.
