Four major loopholes exist in the group rent control regulations

Only one month is left until the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) (Amendment) Bill 2021, which implements subdivided rent control, takes effect. However, the Hong Kong Subdivided Housing Platform pointed out that there are currently multiple loopholes in the Ordinance, including the lack of initial rent, The old tenancy agreement is not regulated, the enforcement mechanism is not clear, and the maintenance responsibilities are not cleared. It is also found that many tenants have a little understanding of the regulations. In recent months, tenants have faced rent increases, repossessed units, and owners refused to repair. Wait for the situation.

The platform criticized that the government has not accepted the request, has not patched loopholes in the regulations, and has not conducted public education. Therefore, it has decided to hold no less than 20 street stops in multiple districts in Hong Kong to collect opinions from the public. Today (4th) The kick-off ceremony was held in Sham Shui Po District.

Only one month is left until the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) (Amendment) Bill 2021, which implements subdivided rent control, takes effect. However, the Hong Kong Subdivided Housing Platform pointed out that there are currently multiple loopholes in the regulations, (photographed by Lu Nuojun)

Sub-divided tenants were forced to relocate due to rent increase by the landlord before the effective of rent control

The Hong Kong Concerned Subdivided Housing Platform today held the "Subdivided Rental Control Union Street Station and Launch Ceremony" outside the A2 exit of the Sham Shui Po MTR Station. During this period, many neighbours shared their views on the rent control regulations and the current distress.

Among them, Ms. Zhang, who lives in a subdivided apartment in Kwun Tong District, said that she and her two daughters originally rented an approximately 80-foot subdivided unit for more than 5,000 yuan, but a few months ago the landlord increased the rent significantly and forced her to move out in October. Moved to a new sub-district at a cost of more than 6,000 yuan.

Just a few months after signing the contract, Ms. Zhang knew that the rent control regulations did not regulate the old lease, and she was worried that she would be forced to move again a year later.

Ms. Kwok, who lives in subdivided housing in Kwai Chung District, pointed out that the current regulations only regulate rent adjustments, and there is no upper limit on the initial rent. The average waiting time for public housing has reached 5.9 years. The public has a great demand for sub-areas. The landlord "is not afraid of renting out" and frankly is disappointed that the government has not plugged the loopholes.

The regulations stipulate that the landlord can move away the tenant if it refuses to repair: Biandu has the money to move

The current regulations do not require the landlord to carry out maintenance on behalf of the tenant. It only means that if the landlord fails to fulfill the relevant obligations, the tenant can give the landlord a written notice of not less than 30 days to move out of the subdivided house.

Mr. Luo, who lives alone in a sub-district in Tsuen Wan, said that the owner of his home’s water heater was broken, the toilet was blocked, and other owners were reluctant to seek repairs from a master. When inquiring about the owner, he only received a response "I don’t want to move." However, he pointed out that the tenant was facing In this situation, you will often only be forced to pay for repairs yourself, instead of using the sole power to move out of the unit as stated in the regulations. "If you have money to move, is there a way?"

Regarding the government’s statement that it will set up a team of about 50 people in the Rating and Valuation Department to implement the regulations, such as answering neighbourhood queries, handling tenancy disputes, etc., Mr. Mak, who lives in the Tai Kok Tsui sub-office, believes that the number of people may not be enough to cope with future needs. There will be a huge amount of enquiries and complaints, and it is pointed out that there are no more implementation details at this time, and they question the power of the Evaluation Department.

He mentioned that the Water Supplies Department passed an amendment in May this year against overcharging of water charges. However, the prosecution was only "one bill and a half bill." He believed that it was of little use. He also said frankly that he would worry that the owner would settle accounts after the fall, "unless I don’t want to live. Those who want to live don’t dare to speak out.” He hopes that the government will increase law enforcement, otherwise the rent management will be like a “toothless tiger” that will be ignored by the landlord.

According to a survey, there are about 209,700 people living in subdivided housing in Hong Kong, and the median living area per capita is only 56.5 square feet, which is lower than the standard public housing standard of 75 square feet.

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Chen Weixiong, a member of the Hong Kong Subdivided Housing Platform, pointed out that the current rent control regulations have entered a countdown stage. They have also invited the Development Bureau, the Transportation and Housing Bureau and the Evaluation Department to meet with a number of organizations to express their opinions. He refused on the grounds of "busy business". Chen criticized that "from Lam Cheng to members of the Legislative Council" had once called Baiying to visit the residents of the subdivided houses. The platform knew from the neighbors that there were many loopholes in the rent control regulations. Rejected, the approach is inconsistent.

Chen urged the government to "do not lie flat" and review the regulations as soon as possible. "I don't think it can be arrogant and lazy after the legislation is enacted." At the same time, he asked the government to publicize its efforts before the regulations come into effect. Do it by the people."

The per capita living area of ​​the subdivided houses is only 48 feet, such as the new low of the table tennis table. The landlord’s rent and electricity charges will be increased before the rent control takes effect. Residents who have been overcharging electricity bills are worried about a higher increase: a year is more expensive than thousands

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