The Housing Authority Subsidised Housing Committee has put forward significant changes aimed at adjusting the policies for well-off public rental housing (PRH) tenants. These alterations encompass both rent increases and modifications to the vacating thresholds, with new measures set to take effect starting from October 2025. The proposal outlines a tiered approach to rent hikes based on income levels exceeding specific multiples of PRH income limits. Additionally, there will be adjustments concerning the green form and white form application quotas, along with enhanced declaration procedures to combat false information.

In a bid to ensure equitable use of public resources, the committee has suggested that tenants whose incomes surpass four times but are below five times the PRH income limits must relinquish their units after two declaration cycles, amounting to four years. This move aims to free up units for those in greater need. Furthermore, households earning more than double but not exceeding triple the PRHILs will face an increase in their rental payments to 2.5 times the standard rate, compared to the current 1.5 times. For those with incomes ranging between three and four times the PRHILs, rents will climb to 3.5 times the standard amount, up from double the existing rate.

Tenants earning four to five times the PRHILs will experience a substantial hike, paying 4.5 times the standard rent instead of the previous double rate. The implementation of these new rent scales is scheduled for the declaration cycle beginning in October 2025, impacting the first group of well-off tenants as of 1 October 2026. To further streamline the allocation process, authorities have decided to balance the quota ratio for green form and white form applicants at 50:50.

To encourage smooth transitions, well-off tenants who voluntarily vacate their units can retain their green form status for up to four years post-evacuation. This provision becomes effective from 1 October 2025. Moreover, the declaration process will be fortified by requiring each family member to individually confirm ownership of any domestic property within Hong Kong. Such measures aim to identify and penalize false declarations effectively, potentially leading to a five-year ban from PRH applications and legal prosecution.

These policy revisions reflect a comprehensive strategy to optimize the allocation of public rental housing while ensuring accountability and transparency among tenants. By introducing stricter regulations and financial incentives, the Housing Authority seeks to enhance the overall efficiency and fairness of its subsidized housing programs. The proposed measures underscore a commitment to addressing housing needs across various income brackets, promoting a balanced and sustainable housing ecosystem.