Hong Kong’s tiny subdivided flats a big problem that needs urgent attention, but can city leader John Lee’s policy address come up with solutions?

Hong Kong is grappling with a significant issue concerning its tiny subdivided flats. These flats are so minuscule that accommodating a family becomes a challenge. A woman named Mimi Zhou experienced this problem firsthand when her three sons moved in with her in a tiny 70 sq ft flat. The flat was so cramped that it could only accommodate a bunk bed and a few of their belongings. Mimi and her youngest son had to resort to sleeping on yoga mats on the floor. This issue is widespread in Hong Kong. In 2021, there were approximately 108,200 of these tiny subdivided flats. The average size of these flats is a mere 118 sq ft, and the monthly rent is HK$5,000 (US$639). This amount is a significant portion of many families' monthly income. The government has initiated measures to alleviate this problem by constructing transitional homes. These homes serve as temporary accommodation for families awaiting public rental flats. So far, 7,800 transitional homes have been constructed, and an additional 13,200 are expected to be available by 2024. However, none of the 30,000 'light public housing' flats, another type of temporary accommodation, have been completed yet. The government is also striving to enhance the design of these tiny flats and safeguard tenants from unfair rental contracts. They are also exploring potential solutions to the problem of these tiny flats, which are notorious for their health, fire, and security risks. However, there is still a considerable amount of work to be done. The government needs to identify families residing in these tiny flats and provide them with more support. They also need to establish a minimum average living space per occupant and other standards for these flats. They also need to ensure that tenants are protected from unreasonable rent increases and overcharged utility bills. The government has a plan to provide about 360,000 public homes by 2032-33. But the average waiting time for a public flat is 5. 3 years. In the interim, the government could extend the maximum mortgage guarantee period for subsidised homes from 30 to 40 years. This could assist more individuals in purchasing homes and ascending the property ladder. Mimi Zhou's family was fortunate enough to move to a larger flat last month with the assistance of social workers. They now have a separate kitchen and some donated appliances. Mimi pays HK$6,000 a month in rent, which is 53% more than before, but she believes it's worth it. She still harbours hopes of moving into a public home as soon as possible.