7 in 10 Hong Kong subdivided flat tenants can only bear rent rise of under 5%: survey

Survey of 151 respondents reflects rent worries and other concerns after proposed new regulations to improve standards start next year

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Choy, 66, a semi-retired construction worker, has lived in a 40 sq ft subdivided flat in Sham Shui Po for over 6 years and pays HK$2,400 in rent per month. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 6:44pm, 24 Jul 2025Updated: 8:58pm, 24 Jul 2025

About 70 per cent of tenants of subdivided flats in Hong Kong can only afford a rent increase of less than 5 per cent if the government’s proposed regulation of substandard housing drives up prices, according to a survey.

The Federation of Public Housing Estates revealed its findings on Thursday after interviewing tenants of 151 households in subdivided flats earlier this month on the coming overhaul of Hong Kong’s shoebox homes.

Under the proposed regulatory regime, subdivided flats must fulfil a set of standards laid down for “basic housing units”, which include a minimum size of 86 sq ft, a ceiling height of 2.3 metres (7.5 feet), proper windows and at least one toilet for each unit. Landlords will be allowed to register their subdivided flats next March and remain on the rental market if they receive accreditation.

The survey found that 59 per cent of respondents hoped that the regulation would not drive rents up “massively”, while 45 per cent called for a rental subsidy from the government.

About 71 per cent of respondents said they could only tolerate a rent increase of less than 5 per cent, while another 18 per cent said they could bear a rise of 5 to 10 per cent at most.

Only six respondents said they could manage a rent increase of more than 10 per cent, while the rest offered no comment.

Around 78 per cent of respondents were paying HK$7,000 (US$892) or less per month for their subdivided home.

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