Editorial | Implement standards to help fix problem of Hong Kong’s shoebox homes
While minimising disruption is sensible, the small, dirty and dangerous subdivided homes must be dealt with at long last
It was good to see authorities take another step towards regulating Hong Kong’s notorious subdivided flats with a proposal to ease minimum regulatory standards and extend a grace period for owners to rectify their properties. Many have called for a sweeping and immediate ban in response to the unacceptable conditions in small, unhygienic and dangerous “shoebox homes”; after all, tens of thousands of people are now living in them.
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin on Sunday signalled plans to strike a balance by allowing flats that meet certain requirements to operate under a new law. Ho spoke after a two-month consultation gathered about 2,200 submissions, including from political parties and advocacy groups calling for gradual implementation of rules so owners and tenants have time to adjust.
Authorities are now considering a grace period of up to 36 months, at least a year longer than initially proposed.
New standards being considered include a proposed minimum size of at least 86 sq ft (eight square metres), a ceiling height of 2.3 metres, proper windows and at least one toilet per subdivided home. The flats must also meet fire and structural safety requirements.
The standards may be adjusted before the measure reaches lawmakers this year. Ho said one change could be a requirement for each flat to have at least one window not facing an enclosed yard.