Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho on Saturday said there's been a strong response to the government's registration programme for subdivided flats which opened last month.

She told a radio programme authorities have received applications to register 5557 units involving more than 1,370 flats. The owners will have a 36-month grace period to undertake any necessary works to ensure they conform to the new standard of a 'basic housing unit' – including a minimum size of eight square metres, individual toilets, and windows.

Owners who intend to let out their units have a year to register, with early applicants who apply within the first six months to receive waivers or reductions in subsequent recognition fees required under the Basic Housing Units Ordinance.

Those who fail to register under the new system and let out their flats will be prosecuted.

Ho said the most number of applications received so far were of units in Yau Tsim Mong, followed by Sham Shui Po and Hong Kong Island East.

She called for flat owners to make their declarations as soon as possible.

"We hope flat owners will file their applications early and not wait until the last minute so they can enjoy the early-bird discount. The application procedure is very simple and the information we require is very basic as well, such as the address of the flat and owner's name," Ho said.

"If sufficient information is handed in, our colleagues will publish such information online within one to two weeks."

Ho added that mock-up units of acceptable basic housing units would be made available for viewing in old buildings under the Urban Renewal Authority in May for owners of subdivided flats to take reference from.



Edited by Cecil Wong