BHU Workshop specialises in Basic Housing Unit compliance and legalisation. Led by a Registered Architect, we provide one-stop services covering plan submissions, MWCS minor works, mandatory inspections and UBW declaration.
Basic Housing Units (BHU) certification requires a Specified Professional under Hong Kong's building, fire and electrical safety regulations. BHU Workshop is led by a senior Registered Architect, assisting landlords, investors and property management companies to complete renovations, inspections and declarations within the legal framework.
Under the HKSAR Government Housing Bureau's Basic Housing Unit Bill (June 2025), the government will establish a registration and certification system for existing subdivided residential units (commonly known as "subdivided flats"). BHU Workshop summarises the key points to help landlords legalise properties within the grace period.
Source: HKSAR Government Housing BureauUnits with at least one valid tenancy agreement for a subdivided flat may register.
Unregistered subdivided flats must obtain certification before being rented out.
Registration applications accepted, with BHU certification applications processed simultaneously. Unregistered and uncertified subdivided flats should not be rented out.
36-month grace period commences. The Housing Bureau will formally take enforcement action against illegal rental cases.
After month 30 of the grace period, uncertified units may not enter into new tenancy agreements.
Transition period ends. Uncertified subdivided flats may no longer be rented for residential use.
Internal floor area min. 8 sq.m., clear height min. 2.3m, floor to beam soffit min. 2m.
Must comply with the Buildings Ordinance. Corridor width not less than 0.75 / 1.05m; each unit requires an independent fire detector, common areas require detectors and fire extinguishers.
Must meet current building loading standards; Minor Works Control System requires engagement of prescribed building professionals / registered contractors for design and supervision.
Living spaces require openable windows ≥ 0.1 sq.m. (facing outdoors), or mechanical ventilation ≥ 5 air changes per hour.
Independent toilet separated by partition walls and door; floor and walls require waterproof membrane; water supply point and basin outside the toilet.
Must install independent WSD water meter and power company electricity meter.
Independently renting out 2 or more subdivided units for residential use without valid registration and BHU certification; or renting registered but uncertified units during the countdown period.
Failure to comply with rectification notices within specified periods; providing false or misleading statements in applications; obstructing Housing Bureau officers, etc.
BHU Workshop provides comprehensive building consultancy and compliance services, helping landlords navigate Buildings Department and Fire Services Department regulatory requirements.
Professional supervision and plan submission services for Class I, II and III minor works, ensuring compliance with the Buildings Ordinance and assisting landlords to complete statutory declarations.
Statutory building and window inspections carried out by a Registered Architect, with professional reports and repair recommendations to ensure structural safety and window compliance.
Professional assessment, design solutions and works supervision for statutory orders issued by the Buildings Department and Fire Services Department, helping landlords complete rectification within deadlines.
Assisting landlords to resolve UBW issues including legalisation applications, demolition scheme preparation and liaison with the Buildings Department to reduce legal risks.
Led by a Registered Architect, BHU Workshop provides comprehensive building professional services in an independent advisory capacity, ensuring works are completed with the most precise solutions to meet statutory requirements.
Beyond compliance — BHU Workshop also assists landlords and investors in evaluating rental returns, tenant demand and asset potential to determine whether a unit is worth operating as a Basic Housing Unit.
After certification, units can be legally rented under the BHU system. We help evaluate whether certification and renovation costs are reasonable, project the payback period, and forecast expected rental income to ensure investment decisions are data-driven.
For BHU units near universities or core living districts, BHU Workshop can connect landlords with mainland university students, Quality Migrant and Top Talent tenants, or arrange direct rental listings through real estate agent partnerships to minimise vacancy and stabilise long-term rental income.
Some older properties offer long-term redevelopment value beyond immediate rental yield. BHU Workshop provides comprehensive asset assessments from the perspectives of certification feasibility, location development potential and market trends.
From initial consultation to obtaining your 5-year certification, BHU Workshop manages the entire process to legalise your property in the shortest time.
A Registered Architect visits your unit to measure the floor plan, photograph current conditions, and assess compliance against the 8 minimum standards, identifying any non-compliant items on the spot.
Based on the survey findings, we prepare a rectification scheme with a written scope of works, timeline and fee breakdown. Transparent pricing with no hidden extras.
We coordinate registered contractors for fire safety installations, plumbing and electrical modifications, and partition adjustments — all supervised by a Registered Architect.
We issue the Specified Professional certification report (BHU-01) and submit all documents to the Housing Bureau to obtain a 5-year BHU certification for your unit.
Led by a Registered Architect with extensive project management and compliance experience, we deliver professional and efficient services.
Under the Housing Bureau's arrangement, subdivided units registered in the first 6 months will enjoy full certification fee waivers for the first 3 years. The sooner you act, the more you save.
Led by a Registered Architect with transparent quotations and no hidden fees. Actual charges depend on unit size, number of subdivisions and site conditions.
Common questions from landlords to help you quickly understand the BHU certification process and requirements.
Under the Basic Housing Unit Ordinance (Cap. 658), all subdivided residential units rented for residential use must obtain BHU certification. Certification requires a Specified Professional (including Registered Architects) to verify the unit meets 8 minimum living standards. From March 2027, illegally renting uncertified units carries criminal liability — up to HK$300,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment.
Specified Professionals include Registered Architects, Registered Professional Engineers and Registered Professional Surveyors. BHU Workshop is led by a Registered Architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARBHK), fully qualified to issue BHU-01 certification reports and complete all professional work required for BHU certification.
The 8 standards are: (1) Minimum area of 8 sq.m. (~86 sq.ft.); (2) Minimum ceiling height of 2.3m; (3) Fire safety (fire-rated doors, independent detectors, extinguishers); (4) Structural safety (meets loading standards); (5) Independent toilet (with waterproofing); (6) Water supply (supply point and basin outside toilet); (7) Lighting & ventilation (openable window ≥ 0.1 sq.m. or mechanical ventilation ≥ 5 air changes/hour); (8) Independent water and electricity meters.
The government offers early bird fee reductions: units registered in the first 6 months (March–August 2026) receive full certification fee waivers for 3 years (original price HK$3,000/unit). Units registered in the second 6 months receive a full waiver in year 1 and half-price in year 2. From March 2029, the full fee applies. The earlier you register, the more you save.
Every unit is different. Some may only need minor additions like fire detectors and independent utility meters; others may require partition adjustments, independent toilet construction or ventilation improvements. BHU Workshop offers a free on-site survey where a Registered Architect personally assesses non-compliant items and provides a written quotation, so you know the full cost before making any commitment.
Grace period registration requires completing Form REG-01, along with: (1) Owner identification documents; (2) Property ownership proof; (3) A valid subdivided unit residential tenancy agreement or stamped AR2 form; (4) Unit floor plan or photographs. The registration period runs from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027, and is completely free. BHU Workshop can assist with document preparation and form pre-filling.
BHU certification is valid for 5 years. Renewal applications can be submitted 3 to 6 months before expiry. Renewal also requires a fresh Specified Professional certification report, with a government renewal fee of HK$2,400/unit. The first batch of certifications can apply for renewal from Q4 2030 onwards.
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