J. Herbert in his letter to the editor (“ Time for Lands Department to halt rent rises ”, June 17) expressed disappointment at the rent increase for his short-term tenancy (STT) and wondered if this was an aberration from what the government was doing to help the community weather the current economic difficulties. As landlord, the government has introduced several rounds of rent concessions since last year for STTs for business and community uses on its land. The latest package offers a 75 per cent cut in rent from April to September this year, benefiting around 6,000 tenants. Tenants that have to temporarily close their businesses as a result of the government’s anti-epidemic measures further enjoy a 100 per cent rent concession for the period of closure. The only category of STTs not included in the said relief measures are those for private, domestic purposes. Most of them are for private garden uses, involving renting of government land near village-type houses as gardens for private use. Other examples (relatively few) are recreational facilities or garages in private residential developments. These are private facilities for the enjoyment or convenience of the tenants. A conscious decision has been taken not to extend the concession to such tenancies and to concentrate resources on helping the hardest-hit sectors. For private garden STTs, the cycle of rent review is five years. A rent review due this year takes into account market information over the past 60 months. Any tenant who wishes to dispute the quantum of the increase is most welcome to contact the relevant District Lands Office. Angela Chan, assistant director (specialist 2), Lands Administration Office/Headquarters, Lands Department