Rent Prohibition Order Expires

The fifth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong is raging, hitting the local economy and causing depression in all industries.

At the beginning of the year, the government launched a three-month "no rent-chasing order" to save the country, requiring landlords not to interfere with their operations, stop providing services, or take legal action to recover because tenants owe rent.

The relevant ordinance expired on the 31st of last month. How effective is the "Rent Prohibition Order"?

Has there been a "rent chasing tide" that the public is worried about?

Some experts pointed out that there may be a sixth wave of the epidemic in September. Will the government once again "handle special cases" and introduce similar regulations?

Shao Jiahui: Tenants with operating difficulties may consider making a comeback

At that time, Shau Ka-fai, a legislator from the wholesale and retail sector who actively supported the passage of the "Rent Prohibition Order", was interviewed by "Hong Kong 01". He said that under the epidemic situation of the century, this plan brought breathing space for the industry. "Rent Chase Order" has successfully overcome the difficulties, and some landlords are even willing to reduce rents to ease the dilemma of tenants.

However, if the local market is to be revitalized, he believes that local residents must not rely on consumption alone. He hopes that Hong Kong can fully clear customs as soon as possible to attract more tourists to Hong Kong for consumption.

Shao Jiahui said frankly that the prospects of some tenants are still unclear, and it is not ruled out that some tenants request an extension of the rent prohibition order. , if the business operation of the merchants has not improved, they should consider making a comeback in the future." Shao Jiahui revealed that the front office meeting to be held tomorrow (17th) will report the industry situation to the directors.

Guo Weiqiang pointed out that the rent prohibition order has certain protection for tenants

Guo Weiqiang, a member of the Legislative Council of the Federation of Trade Unions, who was worried that after the protection period of the "Rent Prohibition Order" expires, the landlords will chase rents from tenants on a large scale, which may lead to a wave of dismissals, said, "It's not as bad as I imagined, and there is no tsunami-like dismissal." It is believed that the "Rent Prohibition Order" has a certain degree of protection for tenants, making landlords and tenants "negotiable", and even after the expiry of the ordinance, many landlords are still willing to provide tenants with "shared rent repayment" plans.

However, he noticed that there are also difficulties in the operation of stores. For example, the nearly 100-year-old teahouse Lianxianglou recently closed down. He bluntly said that the effect of the "rent-chasing ban" or the impact "will not appear soon", and it will take time to observe.

When it comes to whether the industry will request an extension of the "rent-chasing ban", Guo Weiqiang said frankly that "re-evaluation is needed because (shops) are currently in business." However, he pointed out that some experts expect Hong Kong to usher in the peak of the epidemic again in September. If the government Deciding to tighten the social policy, he believes that the government needs to launch a business assistance program again.

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