Three-year jail terms proposed over substandard flats

The government is proposing that landlords who rent out poor quality subdivided flats face prison terms of up to three years and fines as high as HK$300,000. Plans to regulate such cramped homes include a minimum flat size of 86 square feet, or eight square metres, with rooms having a minimum height of 2.3 metres. Documents submitted to Legco on Wednesday set out proposals for further requirements, including fire detectors and fire-resistant walls, as well as a ban on toilets being placed on balconies or outer corridors of buildings. Officials say as well as proper ventilation and lighting, each subdivided flat should have its own water and electrical meters. The Housing Bureau says renting out a flat that isn't certified would also be illegal. Lawmakers are due to discuss the plans on December 2, with a public consultation exercise beginning the following day and lasting until February 10. The bureau says it hopes the bill will be passed next year and that registration of subdivided flats can get underway in the final quarter.