Exploring policy options to combat illegal microapartments in Hong Kong

Building illegality can take more forms, including squatter settlements and illegal building extensions. Among different forms of building illegality, illegal microapartments (IMAs), which take the forms of unauthorized subdivided housing units, have recently aroused wide public concern in Hong Kong. On account of their unlawful nature, IMAs pose serious threats to the safety of the local communities by undermining structural stability and fire safety of the buildings. They may also adversely affect the natural lighting and ventilation for the building occupants. Fatal fires in buildings with IMAs in recent years have demonstrated the painful consequence of ignoring the issue in the city. Nonetheless, the problem of IMA has seldom attracted scholarly attention around the world. In light of the seriousness of the IMA problem in Hong Kong, this study aims to explore workable policy options to crack down on the problem. Policies or proposals in different jurisdictions to crack down on IMAs are reviewed. Then, a three-round policy Delphi study is carried out with a panel of stakeholders to identify and prioritize policy options for combating IMA in Hong Kong. Different measures ranging from increasing the frequency of building inspections and imposing heavier penalties on non-conforming owners to licensing IMAs for private renting are proposed or identified by the panel members. Among these options, stricter enforcement is considered the most workable option. The results of the policy Delphi study are discussed and policy recommendations are made.