Subdivided flats provoke family conflict

Over 80 per cent of tenants living in subdivided flats clash with family members over the use of the tiny spaces they live in, according to a survey by Hong Kong Christian Service released on Friday.

The survey – which polled 50 families in Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui districts – found that the family conflicts are due largely to the small flats and their lack of rooms. Some people literally have to “eat in front of the toilet”, it noted.

The average size of the 50 flats was 120 sq ft, while the rent per spare foot was HK$32.6, which the group says is 37 per cent higher than in ordinary private units.

Half the families have no separate rooms where they can get away from each other for a while.

“When family members are competing for space, they easily become impatient, angry and will grumble,” said Susanne Choi Wai-yee, a principal co-ordinator of the group.

“Over time, they will all accumulate a lot of negative sentiments; even in trivial matters, arguments can lead to physical fights.”