[A simple room guide to simple rooms with detailed descriptions of simple room standards]

The issue of subdivided units (SDUs) has long plagued Hong Kong society, with over 110,000 households living in cramped and unsafe conditions. To improve the quality of housing for grassroots citizens, the government has introduced the "Basic Housing" (Jianpu Fang) regulatory system, requiring existing SDUs to undergo subdivision renovation and obtain certification within the next two years. Otherwise, landlords who continue to rent out these units will face fines of up to HK$300,000 and the risk of imprisonment. Leveraging professional interior design, Design House HK assists landlords in efficiently and compliantly transforming SDUs into Basic Housing. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the technical challenges regarding Basic Housing standards and explains how our professional design team guides landlords through the entire process—from planning and construction to certification—helping them step into the era of Basic Housing.

Basic Housing Policy:

A Transformation from "Survival Space" to "Liveable Standards"

The "Basic Housing" standards established by the government are not only rigid requirements for floor area (at least 8 square meters per unit, with a ceiling height of 2.3 meters), but for the first time, they also include mandatory requirements for ventilation, fire safety, and independent water and electricity metering. Statistics show that 30% of existing SDUs (approximately 33,000 units) will require major renovations due to issues such as "black bathrooms" (windowless bathrooms), structural alterations, or a lack of independent meters. Landlords who fail to complete certification within the registration period, starting from the fourth quarter of 2025, will face immediate legal risks and potential loss of their right to rent out the property.  

For landlords, the renovation process involves complex building regulations and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Space Planning:

How to partition independent units that meet area and height requirements without altering the building structure?

Equipment Upgrades:

Black bathrooms require the installation of mechanical ventilation systems, and independent meters require re-laying pipes and wires—how can this be done without affecting the original building safety?  

Legal Compliance:

The construction process must comply with the Buildings Ordinance and fire safety regulations, such as installing independent fire alarms and maintaining a corridor width of at least 75cm to ensure the design plan passes inspection on the first attempt.  

These challenges go far beyond the scope of general renovation projects and require a professional team with knowledge of architecture, engineering, and law. Design House HK is the renovation and design company in the market capable of providing comprehensive solutions.

Four Core Advantages of Design House HK in Addressing Basic Housing:

Solving the Difficulties of Basic Housing Renovation

Space Reorganization:

With a minimum area requirement of 8 square meters (approx. 86 sq. ft.) per unit, functional design in such a limited space—integrating an independent bathroom, ventilation system, and living area—tests the true expertise of an interior designer.

Utilizing Vertical Space:

By using custom furniture (such as loft beds and built-in storage cabinets), we free up floor space while ensuring the ceiling height meets the 2.3-meter standard.  

Flexible Partitioning:

Using lightweight, fire-resistant, and sound-insulating materials (such as gypsum board composite structures) instead of traditional brick walls satisfies partitioning needs while avoiding legal issues caused by altering building plans.  

Light Guidance:

Our designers create a sense of openness and reduce feelings of oppression through mirror reflections, light-colored materials, and LED lighting systems.  

Water and Electricity System Upgrades:

Technical Integration of Independent Meters

Common water and electricity issues in SDUs include "one meter for multiple households," aged wiring, and insufficient water supply. We have a team of registered plumbers and electrical engineers who can design independent water and power supply solutions for different building structures:  

Water Meter Diversion: We add independent water meters and non-return valves without significantly altering existing piping, preventing pressure issues that might affect lower-floor units.  

Electrical Safety Upgrade: We re-lay independent circuits that comply with the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations and install residual current circuit breakers to prevent fires caused by overloading.   

Ventilation and Fire Safety:

The Technical Leap from "Black Bathroom" to Safe Residence

According to the new regulations, windowless bathrooms must be equipped with mechanical ventilation, and each unit must have an independent fire alarm system. Designers calculate the exhaust fan power based on the bathroom size and design concealed ductwork to maintain ceiling height. We select compliant smart smoke detectors that notify the landlord and management office simultaneously in the event of a fire, enhancing emergency response speed.  

Structural Safety Assessment:

Registered structural engineers will review partition modification plans to ensure that demolished or newly added walls do not affect the building's load-bearing capacity.  

Full Support for Basic Housing Certification Applications:

A Long-term Partnership Over a Five-Year Cycle

Basic Housing certification is not a "one-off" process; landlords must resubmit professional assessment reports every five years.

Design House HK provides long-term "Design + Certification" services:  

Pre-inspection of Plans: We compare design schemes with the latest regulations before construction begins to avoid additional renovation costs caused by re-work.  

Documentation Handling:

We assist landlords in organizing structural safety certificates, water/electricity test reports, and other documents to expedite the Housing Bureau's approval process.  

Maintenance Recommendations: We dispatch staff to check the performance of ventilation and fire safety systems before certification, ensuring the units remain compliant with Basic Housing regulations.  

Design House HK does not just provide renovation plans; our strength lies in our precise grasp of regulatory details:  

Clarification of Exemptions:

We assist landlords in confirming whether their units fall under "exemption categories" or "unchanged partition" conditions.  

Legally Compliant Construction Assurance:

Projects are executed by a team of licensed plumbers, electricians, and Grade I minor works contractors, ensuring every modification complies with legal requirements.  
  
The registration period for Basic Housing is expected to begin at the end of 2025, and compliant Basic Housing will become the "new essential demand" in the rental market. If landlords complete renovations ahead of time, they not only avoid legal risks but also attract quality tenants by using "safety certification" as a selling point. The Basic Housing policy presents both challenges and opportunities. Instead of waiting passively for enforcement, landlords should take the initiative. The government also intends to provide registration fee discounts, or even fee exemptions, for early registrants. As there are further developments and updates to Basic Housing legislation, Design House HK will update the content of this article accordingly, ensuring landlords stay informed. You are also welcome to contact our customer service team at any time for inquiries regarding Basic Housing design and renovation details and quotes.