Hong Kong tenants won’t get to jump public housing queue under shake-up of subpar flats

Tenants affected by Hong Kong’s proposed clampdown on subdivided flats will not receive priority for public housing, with a minister saying the decision aims to prevent people from moving into subpar homes to exploit the system.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin also said on Saturday the government intended to start the legislative process next year to phase out homes smaller than 86 sq ft, with requirements to ensure the flats had windows and independent toilets.

Appearing on a radio programme, the minister was asked whether authorities would introduce special arrangements for tenants of flats that failed to meet the standards.

“We will be very cautious. There has been a system for queuing for public rental housing, which has no direct links with the subdivided flat issue or the new legislation,” Ho said.

“Otherwise, this will encourage people to move into the poorest-condition subdivided flats, in the hopes that they get phased out. This won’t work as it will cause huge problems.”

The minister also shared figures about the average rent charged for subdivided flats across the city, with the monthly cost in 2023 reaching about HK$5,500 (US$710).