30th October 2026 – (Hong Kong) Forty‑eight landlords of subdivided units who contravened Part IVA of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap. 7) pleaded guilty and were fined between HK$800 and HK$19,200, totalling HK$152,830, at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on 2nd October, 9th October, 16th October and today. Since the Ordinance came into force, the Rating and Valuation Department has stepped up enforcement and brought 1,628 prosecutions to date. Of the 1,444 cases concluded in court, all resulted in convictions, involving 1,263 landlords of subdivided units and fines amounting to HK$4,034,540, while a further 184 cases are pending hearing.
The offences admitted by the 48 landlords included failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days of a regulated tenancy commencing; failing to produce utility bills and provide written accounts when seeking reimbursement of apportioned water or electricity charges; failing to provide tenants with rent receipts; and demanding payments not permitted by law, including charging second‑term rent above the maximum allowed.
The department said it identified the contraventions through investigation and evidence gathering before instituting prosecutions. A spokesman reminded landlords that they must observe all statutory requirements, including prohibitions against acts calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of a tenant’s household with the intent to induce them to surrender occupation, and the cap on rent for second‑term tenancies. Tenants were reminded of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four‑year security of tenure across a two‑year first‑term tenancy and a two‑year second‑term tenancy.
The spokesman added that resolute enforcement will continue. Beyond handling reports, the department is using a multipronged approach to detect, investigate and pursue suspected breaches, including requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to supply information and supporting documents so compliance checks can be carried out. A landlord who, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide information or ignores a request commits an offence and is liable to a maximum level‑3 fine of HK$10,000 and imprisonment for three months. Appropriate actions, including prosecution, will be taken based on the circumstances and evidence of individual cases.
Members of the public are urged to report suspected contraventions to the department as soon as possible through established hotlines and channels, including email, fax, post or in‑person visits to the Tenancy Services Section by appointment. The department also reminded landlords and tenants that a regulated cycle comprises two consecutive two‑year tenancies, and that letters with guidance are issued in batches ahead of first‑term expiries to explain key procedures and obligations for the second term. Landlords and tenants are advised to familiarise themselves with all statutory requirements and maintain close communication to manage second‑term arrangements properly and on time under the Ordinance.
 Ordinance near 1,700 with all concluded cases convicted.){kind=link}