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Protections for SDU tenants in Hong Kong
On March 31st, the Task Force for the Study of Tenancy Control in Sub Divided Units (SDUs), released their report of recommendations to the HKSAR Government.
At Habitat Hong Kong, we welcome the Task Force’s recommendation of a written, ‘standard tenancy agreement’ with mandatory terms aimed at increasing protection for tenants of SDUs. We see this as a positive step towards increasing security of tenure and decreasing the vulnerability of tenants. If the HKSAR Government adopts this recommendation into legislation and can proceed to effective implementation, tenants will have extra protection from random or forced eviction for two years and potentially up to four years. They will be in a stronger position to access due process and legal remedies.
Whilst there is still much to be done to ensure security of tenure and improve living standards for these families, we applaud the promise of change in the right direction. We look forward to the HKSAR Government’s serious consideration of the Task Force recommendations, and their adoption into legislation within the current legislative session.
During the consultation period, Habitat Hong Kong CEO Jo Hayes and Public Policy & Research Manager, Megumi Harker were invited to present to the Task Force and share creative tenancy control models implemented overseas and alternative models for providing social housing. We were grateful for this opportunity to share our findings for the Task Force’s consideration. We would also like to recognize the invaluable contributions of our Public Policy and Programmes Committee members including Professor Yip Ngai-ming, a housing expert from the Department of Public Policy, City University of Hong Kong. Their combined expertise and guidance on the development of our public policy and research efforts, continue to move us closer to our long-term goal of improving housing and living conditions and ultimately, addressing the root causes of inadequate housing.
Thank you, Jo Hayes CEO, Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong
From the bottom of my heart
On World Habitat Day in 2014, Julia walked into Habitat Hong Kong’s office, taking her first step in a role with the organisation. Since then, she continues to support Habitat and serve families in need of safe and decent shelter.
“It was a very hot and humid April morning, but the family made us feel right at home, and as we got to talking, the light in their eyes was visible as they talked about the safety and stability that the Habitat home brought to their lives.”
- Julia Ferraz / Communications Manager at Habitat for Humanity in Asia-Pacific
“We were happy to contribute to building our own home. We are very grateful to Habitat for Humanity.”
With a secure, permanent home, Myint Myint Sein has peace of mind because she does not have to worry about frequent house repairs. She is glad her son could pick up livelihood skills during the construction of their bamboo house in Myanmar.
This is the partner family mentioned in Julia’s life-changing story with Habitat. Julia had a really great time with Myint Myint Sein and her family!
“It feels so different to roll up your sleeves and fix their ceiling than just listening to recounts of the program.”
Meet our volunteers - Philemon, Kitman, Vincent, and Alvin! On a recent weekend, they spent an entire day repairing the ceiling of our home partner in Choi Wan (II) Estate. We are sincerely grateful to this wonderful team for rolling up their sleeves and changing the lives of the family we support.
Despite so many people around the world being vaccinated, we are reminded of the impact that safe housing has on health. Substandard living conditions and inadequate access to water and sanitation puts people’s health at risk and makes them more vulnerable to communicable disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19.
Hong Kong is in need of 450,000 new public housing units, for an estimated population of over 1 million, most of whom currently live in cramped substandard housing that are more exposed to Hong Kong’s severe challenges of high urban density and subtropical climate. Damp, moldy conditions contribute to the development of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Structurally sound, climate-adapted and ventilated homes reduce the development of respiratory diseases.
Tenancy control for Hong Kong's subdivided flats
- Subdivided units report submitted (HKSAR Government)
- Task force seeks rent controls for Hong Kong's subdivided flats (Hong Kong Free Press)
- Hong Kong's subdivided flat tenants welcome task force call to keep rents under control, but are not sure how the system will work (SCMP)
In Hong Kong
- Real estate - the leading religion in Hong Kong (AppleDaily HK)
- Old Hong Kong mansion set to get new lease of life with conservation project tied to nearby transitional housing scheme (SCMP)
- Renewal plan for Hong Kong's 'Little Thailand' leaves long-time residents torn over losing deep community ties (SCMP)
- $200,000 home run for Habitat HK (The Standard)
In Asia
Around the world
- How to design safer cities for women (BBC)
Your monthly donation will help families in need of a decent place to build long-term financial security. With an affordable, stable home, families have more to spend on food, medicine, childcare, education and other essentials.
Habitat Hong Kong is proud to be supporting ReThink HK as NGO Partner for RTHK2021. ReThink is back on 5-6 October 2021 at HKCEC. We look forward to meeting you there in October and accelerate the change in Hong Kong!
Sign up to our volunteer list to receive the latest volunteer opportunities for our local programmes. We also have regular skills-based volunteer roles. Watch this space for other ways to get engaged with the Habitat team.
Contact us:
Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong
9/F, V-Point, 18 Tang Lung Street
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
enquiry@habitat.org.hk
+852 2520 4000
Copyright ©2021 Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong. All rights reserved.
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