Applications for Basic Housing Unit (BHU) recognition commence on 1 March 2026. Subdivided units (SDUs) that comply with the minimum standards of living conditions may apply for recognition as BHUs. BHU recognition is valid for five years and may be renewed upon application.
Eligibility for Recognition:
Renewal of Recognition:
- Applications must be made within three to six months prior to the expiry of BHU recognition. With the commence of applications for BHU recognition starting from 1 March 2026, applications for renewal of the first batch of recognised BHUs may be made in Q4 2030 the earliest.
- The SDU must be certified by a specified professional (to be appointed by the applicant) that it continues to meet the minimum standards of living conditions
- Applications for renewal of BHU recognition must be made by the owner of the flat (or a person with written consent of the owner) using the application form
- Any statutory orders/notices/directions issued by the Buildings Department or other departments in respect of the SDU or the flat have been duly complied with (if any)
Required Documents / Information for Application for BHU Recognition / Renewal of BHU Recognition:
- Completed application form
- The certification report of a specified professional
- Latest record of land register / title register from the Land Registry
- Copy of the proof of identity of the applicant
- Written consent of the owner (if applicable)
Application Fees for BHU Recognition / Renewal of BHU Recognition:
- Recognition: $3,000 per SDU (applications made within the first three years (i.e. 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2029) will enjoy "early-bird" offer. Please see "Application Fees" for details)
- Renewal of Recognition: $2,400 per SDU
Enforcement Arrangement:
- Unless the flat in which the SDU is located has valid grace-period registration, BHU recognition must be obtained before the SDU can be legally let out for habitation
- With the provisions under the Basic Housing Units Ordinance (the Ordinance) concerning the offence of illegal letting of SDUs (i.e. section 8 of the Ordinance) coming into effect on 1 March 2027 (i.e. after the expiry of the 12-month registration period), from that day onwards, the Housing Bureau (HB) will take enforcement actions against illegal letting of SDUs in an orderly manner
- From 1 March 2030 onwards (i.e. after the expiry of the 36-month grace-period), HB will take enforcement actions against the illegal letting of SDUs without valid BHU recognition
Random Audit Checks:
HB will conduct random audit checks on BHU recognition/renewal applications as well as those recognised BHUs. If an SDU fails to meet the minimum standards of living conditions, depending on the circumstances, the application may be refused, a rectification notice may be issued requiring rectification within a specified period, or the recognition may be cancelled.
Publishing Information:
To facilitate SDU tenants and the public in identifying recognised BHUs, the addresses of BHUs, validity period of recognition, and a layout showing their location within the flat will be uploaded to this website for public inspection. Information of owners, operators and tenants will not be disclosed for the protection of personal privacy.
Notification of Changes:
After obtaining BHU recognition, if there is any change to the condition of a recognised BHU, to the particulars of its operator or the owner of the flat, the owner / operator concerned must notify the Secretary in the specified form, of the change within 15 days on which he / she becomes aware of the change.
Minimum Standards of Living Conditions:
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Minimum Internal Floor Area
- The minimum internal floor area must be at least 8 m²
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Minimum Height
- Clear headroom must be at least 2.3m from floor to ceiling
- Clear headroom must be at least 2.0m from the floor to underside of any beam
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Fire Safety
- Same as the existing standards under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123). For example, SDUs should be provided with access to two or more exit staircases (except for single staircase buildings)
- The clear width of the internal corridor leading to a SDU must be no less than 1.05m if the original entrance fire door is retained; Otherwise, it must not be less than 0.75m
- Each SDU must be equipped with stand-alone fire detectors, and that fire extinguishers and stand-alone fire detectors must be installed in the common area (if any) of the residential flat where a SDU is located
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Loading
- Comply with prevailing statutory loading requirements
- Carry out works in accordance with the simplified requirements of the "Minor Works Control System" by appointing building professionals / prescribed registered contractors to design and supervise the works
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Separate Toilet
- Must be waterproofed toilet and enclosed with partition walls in the SDU for exclusive use by its occupier
- Waterproofing membrane / material must be applied to the floor and walls of the toilet
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Water Supply Point and Sink Outside Toilet
- A water supply point and a sink must be provided outside the toilet and the area around the water supply point and sink must be waterproofed
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Lighting and Ventilation
- Habitable Area: Must be provided with at least one openable window having at least 0.1m2 superficial area of glass facing the external air, and be fitted with artificial lighting and mechanical means of ventilation capable of supplying fresh air at a rate of at least five air changes per hour
- Toilet: "Dark toilet" must be fitted with artificial lighting and mechanical means of ventilation capable of supplying fresh air at a rate of at least five air changes per hour
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Separate Water and Individual Electricity Meters
- Each SDU must be fitted with a separate water meter provided by the Water Supplies Department; and
- An individual electricity meter provided by one of the power companies
For more details on minimum standards of living conditions, please see "Application Guide" and "Code of Practice".
Specified Professionals:
- Registered architects
- Registered professional engineers (under the building, civil, structural, fire or building services discipline)
- Registered professional surveyors (under the building surveying division)