Hong Kong’s government has announced plans to phase out substandard tiny apartments and subdivided units by 2049. This move addresses the housing crisis in one of the world’s most expensive cities, where approximately 220,000 residents currently rely on such housing.
Subdivided units are often cramped and inadequate, with multiple families sharing spaces initially designed for single households.
Residents like Jimmy Au, who lives in a subdivided unit with her husband and son, fear the new regulations will raise rents and exacerbate housing insecurity. Au’s family pays about $460 in monthly rent, a significant portion of their income.
The government’s plan includes mandating a minimum size of at least eight square meters (86 square feet) for each unit, along with other baseline standards such as windows and individual toilets. While these measures aim to improve living conditions, they also raise concerns about the potential impact on low-income families.
Experts, including Professor Chan Siu-ming, have expressed concerns that the resettlement plans may not sufficiently meet residents’ needs. The government is boosting the public housing supply, aiming to provide 189,000 flats over the next five years. However, the proposed regulations could significantly reduce the supply of subdivided units, potentially pricing low-income renters out of their homes.
Operators of subdivided units, like Hayson Chan, business development director of Rent to Rent Innovation, expect their businesses to take a hit due to the new regulations. Renovating substandard flats to comply with the proposed law is seen as costly and legally uncertain, leading some operators to consider exiting the market.
The government’s efforts to phase out subdivided units are driven by the belief that inadequate housing contributed to the 2019 anti-government protests. While the intention is to improve living conditions for low-income families, implementing these regulations must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences.
In conclusion, Hong Kong’s plan to ban substandard tiny apartments is a step towards addressing the city’s housing crisis. However, ensuring that the resettlement plans are comprehensive and that low-income families are not left worse off due to these changes is crucial. The government must balance improving living conditions and affordable housing options for its most vulnerable residents.
