Opinion | Hongkongers in subdivided flats need enforcement, not just rules, to ensure a better life
- Legislation on tenancy control measures is a good start, but monitoring and enforcement are needed to make sure the changes stick for tenants and landlords alike
As this new policy is turned into action, the challenge for Hong Kong in managing its subdivided housing sector shifts to planning and implementation. The government has an opportunity to improve the lives of those in subdivided flats through effective execution of this legislation.
Barring any dramatic, transformational developments, these measures could affect the more than 200,000 current, and future, tenants of subdivided units in the next 10 years and more.
Currently, many of these tenants live in unsafe, substandard or unhygienic conditions. Despite this, many do not ask landlords to bring their flats up to legal standards because they fear harassment or even eviction.
Under the new legislation, a standard tenancy agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants will become mandatory. This legal document can allay tenants’ fears of random eviction and provide them with grounds to negotiate basic living conditions.