Public housing tenants face 10% rent increases

Public housing tenants face a 10 percent increase in their rent, under a Housing Authority plan presented to Legco on Monday. The authority said the increases will range from HK$49 to HK$572 per month, with the average amount at HK$230. It slated October 1 as the date for the rises, but proposed a three-month exemption period meaning many tenants wouldn't pay any extra before January 2025. The authority said "well-off tenants" with income or assets exceeding certain thresholds would not be eligible for the exemption. Speaking to reporters, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said the proposed rises would be affordable for tenants. "For people who truly need help, we already have mechanisms in place to assist them. As for other tenants, we believe that an increase of 250 dollars in monthly rents is affordable for them. This decision takes into account various considerations. We need to respect the mechanisms under our housing regulations," she said. The authority estimated that the proposed rent increases would generate additional revenue of around HK$2.3 billion per year. It said the extra HK$575 million this financial year would reduce its expected deficit to HK$591 million. The authority reviews public housing rents every two years, with increases capped at 10 percent.

Public housing tenants face 10% rent increases

Public housing tenants face 10% rent increases

Public housing tenants face 10% rent increases

Public housing tenants face 10% rent increases

Public housing tenants face 10% rent increases