Housing Authority endorses enhanced measures to strengthen effectiveness of Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement in Public Housing Estates

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA)'s Subsidised Housing Committee (SHC) endorsed today (July 19) the implementation of measures to enhance the Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement in Public Housing Estates (Marking Scheme) by adding three new misdeed items and widening the scope of two misdeed items. 
 
     "The enhanced measures aim to provide a clean, hygienic and safe living environment for public rental housing (PRH) residents and strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement," a spokesman for the HA said.
 
     With a view to rendering assistance to Owners' Corporations (OCs) of the Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS) estates in their daily management and meeting the residents' aspiration for a decent living environment, the SHC also endorsed the application of all misdeed items under the Marking Scheme to PRH tenants in TPS estates. 
 
     "We would work with TPS estates' OCs for the implementation details and listen to their views to ensure effective implementation," the spokesman said.
 
     The enhanced measures will take effect in the fourth quarter of 2024. For the revised list of Misdeeds under the Marking Scheme, please see the Annex.  
 
     The following three new misdeed items will be added:
 

1. "Feeding feral pigeons or other wild animals" with seven penalty points;
2. "Hanging or placing objects with potential risk of falling from height outside the window, balcony or façade (including canopy, air-conditioner hood and other projections)" with seven penalty points and the application of a warning system.  Misdeed item A2 "Hanging floor mop outside the window or balcony" will be deleted as it will be incorporated into the new misdeed item; and 
3. "Resisting or obstructing the Housing Authority (HA) or person(s) authorised by HA in execution of duties in accordance with the Housing Ordinance or other statutory requirements, or policies imposed by HA" with 15 penalty points.

 
     The scope of the following two misdeed items will be widened:
 

1. "Dripping oil from exhaust fan" be amended to "Dripping oil from exhaust fan, range hood duct, etc."; and
2. "Obstructing corridors or stairs with sundry items rendering cleansing difficult" be amended to "Placing any sundry items, property, or objects in estate common areas (including but not limited to common areas inside or outside any buildings of the estate) that cause obstruction or render cleansing difficult". 

     "The HA will step up publicity on the revised Marking Scheme and will issue a gentle reminder to PRH residents prior to implementation," the spokesman said.