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More support call for basic housing owners and tenants

More support call for basic housing owners and tenants

RTHK29-04-2025

More support call for basic housing owners and tenants
The DAB suggests the government provide renovation samples and a price list for each work item for subdivided flat owners to take reference from. Photo: RTHK
The DAB said on Tuesday the government should provide more supporting measures alongside the implementation of the Basic Housing Unit policy to cater to the needs of both owners and tenants.
From next year, subdivided unit owners are required to declare their properties as "basic housing unit".
A 36-month grace period will follow, allowing owners to complete certification and make the necessary improvements.
One measure the party suggests is to provide renovation samples and a price list for each work item for owners to take reference from.
"Some subdivided unit owners worry about the expenses of renovating the whole unit," said lawmaker Vincent Cheng.
"We hope the government can provide some examples of how much the cost for renovating the units are for [owners] and the public as well.
Meanwhile, to assist tenants that are affected by the renovation period, Cheng said reserving transitional housing for them is needed.
"We have around 30,000 transitional housing units, and tenants affected need a short-term living area," he said.
"The government can spare some transitional housing for such tenants to live in during the period of renovation, maybe for half a year or nine months."
The party also suggested the administration step up inspections of subdivided flats and set up a reporting mechanism to prevent substandard subdivided units from going underground.

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