Nearly 11,000 applications have been made by owners of subdivided flats to recognise their properties for rental purposes more than two months since a regulatory regime came into force.

Most of these units are located in Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Wan Chai, Eastern and Kowloon City districts, the government said.

The Basic Housing Units Ordinance, which took effect on March 1, specifies that subdivided homes can only be let out after being recognised as basic housing units.

Applicants must appoint professionals to inspect if the dwellings meet certain safety and size standards.

These include a minimum floor area of eight square metres, a floor-to-ceiling height of at least 2.3 metres and a separate toilet, on top of rules for fire safety, lighting and ventilation.

After registration, landlords are given 36 months to conduct necessary works, during which the flats can continue to be let out.

Officials estimate that works for 70 percent of such properties would cost HK$25,000 to HK$50,000 each.

Common modifications include installing fire extinguishers and stand-alone fire detectors, as well as equipping individual flats with water and electricity meters.

Another 30 per cent of such units are deemed to be of lower standard, and Under Secretary for Housing Victor Tai said owners have a choice to make.

"For subdivided units of poorer quality, owners may need to consider the costs and decide whether they want to continue operating. We leave this decision to the owners," Tai said.

"As previously mentioned, whether dealing with water leaks or other issues requiring renovation, these substandard situations need improvement, which is exactly what we are seeking."

Authorities said they also received four applications for direct accreditation, and if successful each would be granted a five-year permit.

Tai noted that these flats either entail fewer modifications or were recently bought and turned into subdivided units.

He added that around 3,800 transitional housing units are ready to accommodate residents of subdivided units with short-term rehousing needs.

Two subdivided flats, acquired by the Urban Renewal Authority under a redevelopment project in Kowloon City, have been converted into basic housing "show flats".

Tai said interested groups can pay a visit after making an appointment.



Edited by Raymond Yeung