[Application Guidelines for the Maintenance Grant for Owner-Occupied Properties]

Background and Purpose of the Maintenance Grant for Needy Owner-Occupiers Scheme

The Maintenance Grant for Needy Owner-Occupiers Scheme, launched by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), aims to provide financial assistance to eligible owner-occupiers for the maintenance of their self-occupied properties. This grant helps improve the condition of dilapidated buildings and enhance the safety of their residences. Formerly known as the "Maintenance Grant for Elderly Owner-Occupiers Scheme," this program has assisted tens of thousands of eligible elderly and needy individuals in resolving building maintenance issues and improving their living environment since its inception.

How to Apply for the Maintenance Grant for Needy Owner-Occupiers Scheme?

Design House HK's services include assisting applicants in collecting necessary documents and submitting applications, providing preliminary assistance for maintenance works covered by the grant, such as project preparation (e.g., minor works declarations and project planning), quotation submissions, and construction. This ensures that applicants do not get overwhelmed by complex application procedures or miss out on grants due to application errors. You can contact us now to learn more.

1. Eligibility for the Maintenance Grant for Needy Owner-Occupiers Scheme

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

Basic Eligibility:

• Must hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card

• Must be an owner of a residential unit in a domestic or composite building

• The applicant and their legal spouse (if married) must reside in the property being applied for

• Must not be an undischarged bankrupt

Financial Conditions (must meet one of the following):

• Elderly persons aged 60 or above, meeting income and asset limits

• Recipients of Old Age Living Allowance

• Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (must also meet specific conditions)

• Recipients of Disability Allowance, meeting income and asset limits

Income and Asset Limits (in HKD):

i) For applicants aged 60 or above

• Single person: Monthly income limit $10,770, asset limit $1,218,000

• Couple: Monthly income limit $16,440, asset limit $1,848,000

ii) For applicants receiving Disability Allowance (in HKD):

1 Family Member: Monthly income limit $13,090, asset limit $291,000
2 Family Members: Monthly income limit $20,230, asset limit $394,000
3 Family Members: Monthly income limit $25,100, asset limit $514,000
4 Family Members: Monthly income limit $31,000, asset limit $600,000
5 Family Members: Monthly income limit $38,650, asset limit $666,000
6 Family Members: Monthly income limit $45,440, asset limit $721,000
7 Family Members: Monthly income limit $49,930, asset limit $770,000
8 Family Members: Monthly income limit $55,830, asset limit $805,000
9 Family Members: Monthly income limit $61,570, asset limit $892,000
10 or more Family Members: Monthly income limit $67,180, asset limit $961,000

2. Grant Amount for the Maintenance Grant for Owner-Occupiers Scheme

Grant Cap:

• Each grant application has a maximum cap of HK$80,000

• Each eligible applicant and their legal spouse (if married) can jointly receive a maximum of HK$80,000

• Each property can receive a maximum of HK$80,000

• The grant amount will be calculated proportionally based on the ownership share of the property held by the eligible applicant and their legal spouse

Application Frequency:

• Subject to government funding availability, each applicant can apply up to 4 times within 10 years from the submission date of the first successful application

Eligible Project Items

The scheme covers maintenance works related to building safety for residential units and/or common parts of the building, including:

1. Building Structural Improvement Works

• Repairing loose, cracked, spalled, or damaged concrete

• Improving the safety of building facades, repairing damaged plaster or mosaic tiles

2. Window Repair Works

• Inspecting, repairing, or replacing damaged windows

3. Building Fire Safety Works

• Improving means of escape, fire and rescue access, and fire-resisting structures

• Providing, improving, and maintaining building fire service installations and equipment

4. Removal of Unauthorized Building Works

• Demolishing unauthorized building works and unauthorized rooftop structures

5. Building Services and Sanitary Facilities

• Repairing, maintaining, and replacing lifts, fire service installations and equipment, electrical wiring, gas risers

• Installing barrier-free facilities

• Replacing damaged soil pipes, waste pipes, rainwater pipes, fresh water pipes, ventilation pipes, and underground drains

6. Waterproofing and Water Seepage Works

• Repairing waterproofing layers on rooftops and podiums, improving water seepage problems

7. Other Related Works

• Carrying out maintenance or improvement works for slopes or retaining walls

• Improving fire and building safety in subdivided units

• Repaying outstanding building repair loan balances owed by applicants to the Buildings Department, Housing Society, or URA

3. Application Process for the Maintenance Grant for Needy Owner-Occupiers Scheme

Application Methods (online application, in-person submission, or by mail):

1. Apply online at https://www.brplatform.org.hk/e-application

2. Urban Renewal Authority Building Rehabilitation Department Office:

• Unit B, G/F, 777-783 Yu Chau West Street, Kowloon

3. Building Rehabilitation Resource Centre:

• Units 201 & 202, 2/F, H Cube, 8 Hok Yuen Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon

Timing of Application:

• For applications related to maintenance works for residential units, the application form must be submitted before the commencement of works

• For applications related to maintenance works for common parts of the building, the application form must be submitted before the issuance of the Certificate of Completion of Building Works

Required Documents:

• Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card of the applicant and their legal spouse

• Copy of marriage certificate (if married)

• Income and asset proof documents

• Copy of the latest rates demand note or proof of address

• Quotation for works and copy of business registration certificate of the engineering company

• Proof of Old Age Living Allowance, Disability Allowance, or CSSA (if applicable)

Important Notes

Project Limitations:

• Project items are not reimbursed on an actual cost basis. If an item is not related to environmental health and safety or structural integrity, it will not be approved for grant funding.

• Items unrelated to structural safety or environmental health and safety, such as wooden furniture and household appliances, are not eligible for the grant.

Handling of Project Changes:

• The quotation submitted by the applicant for the scheme is a key basis for grant approval, so the chosen engineering company cannot be changed during the approval process.

• If there are any additions or reductions to the project items, an updated quotation should be submitted to the URA for approval as soon as possible, but it is best to avoid changes if possible.

• If an approved project item is not carried out upon completion, or if relevant completion certificates cannot be provided, the final approved amount will be reduced accordingly.

Restrictions on Re-applications:

• If an applicant has previously applied for the Maintenance Grant for Elderly Owner-Occupiers Scheme under the Housing Society, the total grant amount received under both schemes will not exceed the maximum limit of the Maintenance Grant for Needy Persons (i.e., HK$80,000).

Professional Assistance from Design House HK

Comprehensive Application Support:

Design House HK provides eligible owners with a one-stop service from application assistance to completion of maintenance works. Our professional team has extensive experience in building maintenance and grant applications and can assist owners with:

1. Eligibility Assessment

• Assisting in assessing whether the applicant's financial situation meets the income and asset limits

• Confirming whether the property condition meets the eligibility criteria

• Analyzing whether the project items fall within the scope of eligible grant claims

2. Document Preparation

• Assisting in filling out application forms and preparing required supporting documents

• Providing quotation review services to ensure reasonable and compliant quotations

• Assisting in organizing income and asset proof documents

3. Project Planning

• Providing professional advice to assist in planning maintenance works that fall within the grant scope

• Avoiding the selection of non-subsidized items to maximize grant benefits

4. Application Follow-up

• Assisting in submitting applications and following up

• Handling requests for supplementary documents

• Assisting in processing project change applications

5. Completion Reporting

• Assisting in preparing completion reports and relevant supporting documents

• Ensuring compliance with URA's completion requirements

• Assisting in handling grant disbursement matters

Service Advantages:

• Professional team familiar with the approval standards and requirements of the Maintenance Grant for Needy Owner-Occupiers Scheme

• Providing free preliminary assessment services

• Saving owners' time and effort

• Ensuring projects comply with grant scope, avoiding failed applications

If you have any questions regarding the application for the "Maintenance Grant for Needy Owner-Occupiers Scheme," you can Whatsapp Design House HK to book a free assessment service. Our team will assist you in applying for the maintenance grant and improving your living environment. Remember to ensure that the project has not yet started and all necessary documents are prepared before applying. We look forward to assisting you.