Only 1 Hong Kong landlord seeks subdivided flat approval as new law takes effect

Only one landlord in Hong Kong has sought certification approval for subdivided flats since a new law on minimum housing standards took effect about two weeks ago, while applications for a grace period have been submitted for more than 1,100 homes, according to authorities.The Basic Housing Units Ordinance, which took effect on March 1, stipulates that only subdivided homes that meet minimum standards and are certified by building professionals can be legally leased.Non-compliant landlords face a maximum fine of HK$300,000 (US$38,343) and three years’ imprisonment.A “basic housing unit” in a subdivided flat must measure at least 86 sq ft, have a ceiling height of 2.3 metres (7.5 feet), a window and a toilet, among other requirements. Certificates must be renewed every five years.From this month, landlords can seek certification or register for a grace period within a year, which grants them until February 2030 to complete the required rectifications while continuing to lease their properties legally.The bureau said that as of Monday, it had received 316 registration applications involving about 1,160 subdivided flats for the grace period, but only one for certification approval.