The proposed rules would mandate a minimum size of at least eight square meters (86 square feet), a bar the government says it meant to leave room for low-priced housing.
Hong Kong's government is planning to crack down on what it calls inadequate housing in subdivided apartments, mandating a minimum size and other baseline standards for homes like Au's.
Chan Siu-ming, a professor at the City University of Hong Kong’s social and behavioral sciences department, welcomed the government’s taking steps to set minimum standards, but said its resettlement plans are inadequate.
Chan said the impact could be wider than officials expect, and the city’s supply of public and transitional housing may not meet needs.
In an emailed response to questions from The Associated Press, the government said it does not expect significant surges in rent as demand will drop with the increasing public housing supply.
