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Hong Kong landlords who rent out low-quality subdivided homes could face up to three years in jail and HK$300,000 (US$38,547) in fines under a proposed government plan to wipe out such flats.
Details of the proposal were revealed on Wednesday, a day after the housing minister urged landlords not to illegally chase out tenants for home renovation before relevant requirements were released.
A consultation will commence next Monday at a legislative panel with lawmakers and last until February 10.
In a document submitted to the Legislative Council, the Housing Bureau also said it would study the feasibility of imposing higher penalties on cases where illegal rentals last longer.
According to the proposal, those offering false information or statements under the regulation would also face a maximum penalty of HK$10,000 in fines and three months in prison.
The government aimed to have the bill passed at the Legco within the next year before starting the registration process for subdivided flats as early as the fourth quarter of 2025.