Development minister Bernadette Linn said on Thursday that she hopes a new system vetting firms involved in major renovation projects will remove any bad apples from the industry.

The government plans to strengthen the role of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) in preventing bid-rigging, by beefing up its 'Smart Tender' platform.

Linn said by way of introducing administrative measures as soon as possible, the URA will conduct tendering exercises for homeowners and assess bids, which can only be made by those on the vetted list.

Those getting public subsidies for projects must hire the consultants and contractors selected, while homeowners who are not given subsidies will be advised which ones to pick.

The minister said officials will have to constantly update the list, based not only on things like any complaints received, but also the quality of work carried out.

In response to a non-binding motion in the legislature on improving the management of building maintenance works, Linn said firms that perform well will be rewarded with contract opportunities.

"For those that are dishonest, I believe they will be eliminated under our regime," she told lawmakers.

"For those who want to challenge the status or credibility of the list, I believe we can explore making use of legislation enactment to protect the list established by the URA from being challenged."

Linn added that the URA will have to advise homeowners in the event that during the work process, firms try to amend the scope or seek to raise prices.

She said if any laws need to be changed in this regard, the authorities will table amendments to Legco by the end of this year.

Some lawmakers have floated the idea of establishing a dedicated authority to regulate building maintenance.

The minister said in response that the government is willing to listen to views on this, but she noted that some of the body's functions might overlap with those of the URA and the Buildings Department.