The fire at Fa Yuen Street hawker stalls and other incidents have raised public concerns over safety of buildings as they have claimed several lives recently. The Hong Kong Institute of Housing (HKIH) supports the HKSAR Government’s proposal to put forward a property management licensing regime by legislation in a timely manner. This is believed to be able to enhance the service quality of property management and to extend its coverage. The Government has consulted the public and set up the Advisory Committee on the Regulation of Property Management Industry. The institute believes that a two-tier licensing system will be the most beneficial approach to Hong Kong residents.

     The institute recommends a two-tier regime where property managers are classified as “property practitioners” and “professional property managers”, with reference to the industry’s Quality Frameworks (QF) Levels 4 and professional qualifications. Level 4 is applicable for “property practitioners”, who are responsible for overseeing operational functions in property management, and must possess a Higher Diploma or Associate Degree. As for “professional property managers”, they are responsible for planning, supervising and co-ordination work. Recognition by professional bodies on the accredited trainings and qualifications is crucial for industry players.

     Mr Share Tai Ki, President of the HKIH, was appointed as a member of the Advisory Committee on the Regulation of Property Management Industry ad personam earlier. “A two-tier licensing regime can provide a clear guideline for Hong Kong residents when choosing appropriate property managers,” said Mr Share. “Management of large residential estates costs as much as over HK$100 million each year and major maintenance work can cost a similar amount. Therefore, it is necessary to have a two-tier licensing regime to cater for different expectations from large housing estates to single residential blocks on the capability of property management companies and individual property managers.”

     “Licensing regime should come with a mechanism in order that ‘property practitioners’ can be promoted to ‘professional property managers’ through professional training and gaining experience,” said Ms Cora Yuen Chui Yi, Vice President of the institute. “This move helps to encourage “property practitioners” to further achieve professionalism and to induce youngsters to climb up the social ladder.”