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Maintenance and repair
As regards maintenance and repair, HOS/PSPS flat owners are responsible for their properties in the same way as others in the private sector. As a responsible developer, however, the Housing Authority requires building contractors to observe a 12-month maintenance period, usually known as the defects liability period, during which any building or service defects not caused by irresponsible use of the premises will be rectified by contractors free of charge to owners. For certain items, for example roofing, the guarantee is up to ten years, and for acrylic paint as external decorative coating, seven years. These are more favourable maintenance arrangements than those prevailing in the private sector where contractors normally accept responsibility for a period of six months. After the defects liability period, Housing Department or management company staff still offer advice to flat owners on improvements which should be carried out to keep the building concerned in a proper state of repair. Although maintenance and repair standards of these blocks are generally high, we welcome and will consider honourable members' suggestions for further improvement.
System of management
On management of HOS/PSPS flats, it is the Housing Authority's policy to encourage privatisation. Private management was first introduced in 1987 and, since 1989, has been employed in all newly completed blocks. At present, out of a total 122 blocks, about 70 per cent are managed by private management agencies. Housing Department staff pay weekly visits to check management standards also and require monthly reports to be submitted. To ensure that flat owners are satisfied with management services, they are consulted on the renewal of contracts. The progress of privatisation of management will be reviewed regularly.
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