Housing 227
introduced an amendment bill in 2003 to remove these provisions. Following the passage of the bill at the Legislative Council, the amendment ordinance came into effect in July 2004.
Estate Agents
The Estate Agents Authority (EAA) devises licensing arrangements and practice directions for estate agents. Under the Estate Agents (Licensing) Regulation, all estate agents are required to obtain a licence to practise.
Two other regulations-the Estate Agents Practice (General Duties and Hong Kong Residential Properties) Regulation and the Estate Agents (Determination of Commission Disputes) Regulation-also regulate the industry. The former stipulates rules relating to the conduct, duties and practice of licensed estate agents while the latter prescribes rules and procedures for the EAA to assist in the mediation of disputes between an agent and a client. The Estate Agents (Registration of Determination and Appeal) Regulation prescribes the procedural rules for the EAA to adjudicate in disputes on the amount of commissions payable to estate agents and for aggrieved parties to lodge appeals.
Sales Brochures of Uncompleted Residential Properties
Developers of private residential units may obtain the Director of Lands' approval to put units up for sale before they are completed. Potential purchasers of these uncompleted residential properties may refer to the information provided in sales brochures or check out other sources of information in the public domain or seek professional advice before deciding whether or not to buy a property. The Government, the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong and the Consumer Council have jointly set up a mechanism to ensure that information in sales brochures is adequate and accurate.
Home Pages
Housing, Planning and Lands Bureau: http://www.hplb.gov.hk Hong Kong Housing Authority/Housing Department: http://www.housingauthority.gov.hk
Hong Kong Housing Society: http://www.hkhs.com
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