Specific law needed to tackle Hong Kong subdivided flats like in New York, City University researchers say
Study authors call on government to up fines and pass targeted legislation on building conversions to tackle the safety hazards of tiny illegal homes
Tougher punishments for subdividing flats into tiny homes are needed to tackle the safety hazards such projects bring, a study by City University has recommended.
Researchers called on the government to provide more flats to temporarily accommodate tenants facing displacement after their subdivided units are dismantled on the orders of enforcement officers.
The study, conducted between December last year and March, interviewed 150 construction and property management professionals, district councillors, social workers and neighbours of tenants in subdivided flats, asking them to rate a list of 16 proposals to enhance the identification and regulation of subdivided flats.
Raising penalties was rated the most necessary measure and one of the most practical solutions.
Dr Simon Yau Yung, associate professor of the university’s department of public policy, which conducted the survey, said most respondents believed the current penalties were not enough to deter people from subdividing flats.