Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho has urged subdivided flat landlords to register their properties as basic housing units as soon as possible.

Her call came after the government gazetted the Basic Housing Units Bill, which will be introduced into the Legislative Council for its first and second readings next month.

From as early as March, landlords will have a year to register followed by a three-year grace period to renovate their flats to meet government requirements, which include a minimum size of eight square metres.

Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme on Sunday, Ho said the government would reduce or waive a HK$3,000 accreditation fee for owners who register and complete any renovations early.

“Landlords who register early will enjoy the grace period and an exemption of the accreditation fee. We have designed a fair system, so landlords don’t need to hesitate.”

Ho said in four years she expected to see around 80,000 basic housing units meeting government requirements.

She also said she thought the rent for these units would not rise that much as there would be more public housing supply in future.