Hong Kong Certifies First 3 Legal Subdivided Flats

For the first time ever, Hong Kong has certified subdivided apartments as safe and legal to rent, giving hope to thousands living in the city's notorious cramped housing.

Three tiny apartments in Sham Shui Po became the first "basic housing units" to pass government inspection last week. Property operator Hayson Chan successfully upgraded the units to meet new standards that took effect in March.

The milestone matters because an estimated 220,000 Hong Kong residents live in subdivided flats, many in substandard conditions. Now they have proof that landlords can afford to make these spaces livable.

Chan spent about $19,500 per unit upgrading the apartments on Cheung Sha Wan Road. The work included new drainage pipes, fire-rated doors, safety equipment, individual utility meters, and better ventilation.

Under Hong Kong's Basic Housing Units Ordinance, only certified subdivided flats can legally be rented starting this year. Each unit must measure at least 86 square feet with 7.5-foot ceilings, plus include a window and waterproof toilet.

The law sets minimum standards for safety, hygiene, and fire protection. Chan, who chairs the Hong Kong Basic Housing Units Operators Association, filed his application in late May and received approval within weeks.

His property company, Rent to Rent Innovation, specializes in renovating subdivided flats. The three approved units didn't need layout changes, just upgrades to meet the new requirements.

Why This Inspires

This certification proves that Hong Kong's housing crisis doesn't have to mean choosing between affordability and safety. While 86 square feet sounds impossibly small to many, meeting basic standards for windows, ventilation, and fire safety transforms these spaces from desperate last resorts into legitimate homes.

Chan's success also creates a roadmap for other landlords. He's urging property owners to seek professional help navigating the certification process, showing that compliance is achievable and worth the investment.

For families packed into Hong Kong's subdivided flats, these first three certifications represent something bigger than upgraded pipes and fire doors. They represent recognition that every resident deserves dignity, safety, and legal protection, no matter how small their home.

The path forward is clear, and it starts with these three tiny apartments in Sham Shui Po.