Housing Authority sets rents for three new estates

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     Rents for 1 753 flats, tentatively scheduled for completion between August and December 2018, in four non-standard blocks at three Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) public rental housing (PRH) estates will be set at the best rent levels in their respective districts.
 
     The best rent for flats in the Urban District will be adjusted in September to $85.50 per square metre per month. This rate will apply to 518 flats in one block in Yau Lai Estate in Kwun Tong (Eastern Harbour Crossing Site, Phase 7) and 487 flats in two blocks in Shek Kip Mei Estate in Sham Shui Po (Shek Kip Mei, Phases 3 and 7).
 
     The best rent at $82.70 per square metre per month for flats in Sha Tin District after adjustment in September will apply to 748 flats in one block in Shek Mun Estate (Shek Mun, Phase 2).
 
     "Under this rent-fixing exercise, over 46 per cent of the flats are set at a rent level below $2,500 per month," a spokesman for the HA said today (August 28), adding that PRH rents, which are inclusive of rates, management fees and maintenance costs, are heavily subsidised.
 
     "PRH applicants who are allocated new flats but cannot afford the rents may request refurbished flats at lower rents, and they may also apply for assistance under the Rent Assistance Scheme for flats in older block types where applicable," the spokesman added.