ENG-1977 — Page 155

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HOUSING AND LAND

The Dangerous Buildings Division of the Buildings Ordinance Office continued to deal with the demolition or repair of dangerous buildings, routine re-inspection of dilapidated buildings and repair of defective drainage systems. Following reports sub- mitted by the government's consulting engineers, more dangerous or potentially- dangerous slopes and retaining walls were identified. The proportion of post-war framed buildings inspected during the year showed an increase over that of pre-war structures. During the year, some 14 buildings were closed and demolished under statutory order, compared with 35 buildings in 1976. Repair notices amounted to 283, compared with 334 the previous year, and a total of 48 notices were served requiring the repair or renewal of defective or inadequate drainage systems.

Management of Buildings in Multiple Ownership

During 1977, 128 new owners' corporations were formed under the Multi-storey Buildings (Owners' Incorporation) Ordinance. This legislation, passed in 1970, enables owners of buildings in multiple ownership to incorporate for the better management of their building, particularly to ensure its maintenance and to uphold environmental standards. By the end of 1977, the total number of corporations was 1,014. The City District Offices and the New Territories District Offices offer assistance and advice to owners either on incorporation or on the formation of Mutual Aid Committees in these buildings. Mutual Aid Committees have similar aims to owners' corporations; they are not, however, statutory bodies and membership is open to all residents of buildings, both owners and tenants. By the end of 1977, 2,466 Mutual Aid Commit- tees were registered.

Rent Control of Pre-War Premises

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Legislation controlling rents of pre-war premises and providing security of tenure was instituted by proclamation immediately after World War II and was later embodied in 1947 in the Landlord and Tenant Ordinance since re-enacted as Part I of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance. This legislation applies to both domestic and business premises, and restricts rents by reference to pre-war levels (standard rent) while excluding from control any new or substantially reconstructed buildings.

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Increases in rents are permitted periodically, the latest being in December, 1977, when the legislation was amended to provide for permitted increases to standard rent to be raised to 200 per cent in the case of domestic premises and 500 per cent for business premises. A Tenancy Tribunal is appointed to fix or determine the amount of rent payable for pre-war premises and to deal with other tenancy matters.

Where a landlord incurs expenditure of $5,000 or more on additions or improve- ments he may, subject to the approval of a Tenancy Tribunal, increase the rent by 20 per cent a year of the amount expended. Rent increases also are permitted where the landlord bears the rates and the rates liability is increased.

There is provision in the legislation for the exclusion of premises and so, year by year, the stock of pre-war buildings is gradually diminishing. The usual purpose of exclusion is redevelopment but, where premises are vacated, a landlord can re-let free from further control. Possession usually is only obtained subject to the payment of compensation to the protected tenants. The Rating and Valuation Department