Re: The case that an agent was fined for contravening the Waterworks Regulations

Regarding the recent case that an agent was fined for contravening the Waterworks Regulations (for details please refer to the Government press release: www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202310/11/P2023101100174.htm), the Estate Agents Authority reminds licensees that when handling the tenancy of subdivided units, they should not assist the landlord to overcharge the tenants for public utilities and services or else the licensees might themselves be convicted for breaching the law. Licensees should also remind their clients that it is an offence to require tenants to pay for the utility and service charges for the subdivided unit at a sum exceeding the apportioned amount as shown in the account in writing provided by the landlord to the tenant.

(13 October 2023)