Hong Kong may reward residents who report subpar flats breaching new rules

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.