The Housing Bureau fully supports the "Pro-bono Mediation Service Scheme for the Basic Housing Unit Regime" co-launched by eBRAM and Agency for Volunteer Service

(Hong Kong, 12 October 2026) – eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre ("eBRAM"), an independent not-for-profit arbitration and mediation institution established with the support of the Asian Academy of International Law, the Hong Kong Bar Association and The Law Society of Hong Kong, today announced the launch of the Pro-bono Mediation Service Scheme for the Basic Housing Unit Regime (the "Scheme") in collaboration with the Agency for Volunteer Service ("AVS"), with full support from the Housing Bureau. The Scheme provides free and convenient mediation services to stakeholders involved in disputes in relation to the Basic Housing Unit ("BHU") Regime. These stakeholders include landlords, sub-landlords, tenants, contractors of alteration works, specified professionals, estate agents, incorporated owners and property management companies etc. By building consensus amongst different stakeholders through constructive dialogue, stakeholders can work hand in hand with a view to eradicating substandard subdivided units. The kick-off event and mediation experience sharing session for the Scheme was successfully held this morning at the Hong Kong Housing Authority Headquarters.

The Secretary for Housing Ms Winnie Ho, JP; Chairman of eBRAM Dr Thomas So, JP and Chairman of AVS Ms Melissa Pang, BBS, MH, JP delivered opening remarks at the event. Representatives of eBRAM subsequently introduced the details of the Scheme and took the opportunity to share with stakeholders of the BHU regime practical mediation experiences and to promote the use of mediation services. Stakeholders who joined the event came from various sectors, including representatives from District Service Teams, eBRAM mediators, professional bodies, the estate agent sector, the construction sector, the property management sector, etc. More than 100 stakeholder representatives gathered to witness the launch of the Scheme.

The Basic Housing Units Ordinance was implemented in an orderly manner since March 2026 under the principle of "registration first, enforcement later", with 48-month transitional arrangements till end-February 2030. In the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (“Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan”) and in the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address, the Chief Executive mentioned the Government's target to resolve the issue of substandard subdivided units in residential buildings by 2030. Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address also mentioned expanding the mediation culture and building Hong Kong into a Global Capital of Mediation. The Housing Bureau’s support for eBRAM and AVS to co-launch the Scheme directly addresses these policy objectives. As of today, the Housing Bureau received registration applications involving more than 74,000 subdivided units, demonstrating the market’s positive response to the new regime. As the BHU regime continues to press ahead in an orderly manner, differing views between landlords, tenants and other stakeholders may arise with regards to matters such as alteration works, tenancy and relocation arrangements etc. To assist stakeholders to resolve disputes in an amicable, rational and constructive manner, eBRAM and AVS have co-launched this brand new Scheme, and we will identify suitable cases in close liaison with the Housing Bureau’s six District Service Teams.

Mediation services will be provided free of charge by independent and neutral qualified volunteer mediators through a simple, convenient and time-efficient process. The Scheme covers a broad range of disputes in relation to the BHU regime. These include compensation related to early termination of tenancy agreements, arrangements in relation to alteration works in order to fulfill statutory requirements (such arrangements may include temporary relocation arrangements during alteration works, rental arrangements, construction schedules and related impacts, etc). In addition, the Scheme can also assist in resolving differences regarding landlords unable to reach consensus to apply for grace-period registration and BHU recognition under the BHU regime. Cases involving multiple tenants or multiple flats may be handled collectively where parties remain willing to communicate, thereby improving efficiency.

Parties participating in mediation may utilise eBRAM's proprietary Online Dispute Resolution ("ODR") Platform to conduct mediation proceedings online, while face-to-face mediation services may also be arranged where appropriate. The platform incorporates video conferencing, secure document management and electronic signature functions, enabling stakeholders in different locations to participate conveniently in mediation proceedings without the need for physical meetings.

Ms Winnie Ho, JP, Secretary for Housing,  said “We are very glad that eBRAM and AVS are co-launching the “Pro-bono Mediation Service Scheme for the Basic Housing Unit Regime", which provides free mediation services to stakeholders involved in disputes in relation to the BHU regime. These stakeholders may include landlords, tenants, etc. The scheme promotes “mediate first” to resolve disputes, which facilitates our joint efforts in eradicating substandard subdivided units.  When disputes arise, it may be caused by the lack of an opportunity to communicate and to understand each other’s position.  The new scheme could provide a more time- and cost-efficient, objective, impartial, low-conflict solution through communication. I am grateful for eBRAM’s active support towards the BHU regime, and for AVS’ efforts to link up professional volunteers with those in need in society. This helps foster a more harmonious community with increased positivity. I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders on an ongoing basis, thereby moving towards, in a harmonious and orderly manner, the target of resolving the problem of substandard subdivided units in residential buildings by 2030, as mentioned in Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).”

Dr Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM, said: "The Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address sets out the vision of building Hong Kong into a Global Capital of Mediation and further expanding the mediation culture. The launch of the Pro-bono Mediation Service Scheme for the Basic Housing Unit Regime represents a concrete initiative in support of this objective. The implementation of the BHU regime marks an important milestone in Hong Kong's housing policy, but differing views and practical issues may inevitably arise during the transition period. We hope that mediation, as a voluntary, confidential and flexible process, can help stakeholders resolve differences through communication and mutual understanding, minimise conflicts arising from rectification works and relocation arrangements, facilitate the smooth implementation of the BHU regime, and promote social harmony. We are grateful for the support of the Housing Bureau and the partnership of AVS in making this initiative possible and beneficial to the wider community."

Ms Melissa Pang, BBS, MH, JP, Chairman of AVS, said: "AVS is dedicated to playing a proactive and pivotal role in promoting and developing sustainable volunteerism through partnerships across all sectors of the community. We also actively connect professional volunteers with individuals in need, helping to expand the reach and accessibility of volunteer services. The implementation of the BHU regulatory regime involves a wide range of stakeholders, and differing views on practical arrangements may naturally arise throughout the process. The Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address highlights the importance of strengthening a mediation culture in Hong Kong, and we believe that pro bono mediation services can play a meaningful role in promoting the wider adoption of mediation. Building on our successful experience in delivering pro bono mediation services, we are delighted to partner with eBRAM again. Through this initiative, professional volunteers can contribute their expertise to help landlords and tenants resolve differences through mutual understanding and compromise, reducing conflicts arising from rectification works or relocation arrangements. We firmly believe that collaboration creates greater impact. By bringing together the strengths of different sectors, we can generate greater positive social impact and contribute to Hong Kong's long-term social development and harmony."

Photo Caption

eBRAM introduced details of the Scheme and shared mediation experiences with stakeholders during the kick-off event and mediation experience sharing session and exchanged views with stakeholders. (From left to right: Mr John Siu, Senior Legal Counsel of eBRAM; Mr Albert Leung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of eBRAM; Dr Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM; Ms Melissa Kaye Pang, BBS, MH, JP, Chairman of AVS; Representatives of Housing Bureau and District Service Team)

At the Launch Ceremony, more than 100 stakeholders attended, including Legislative Council Members - The Honourable Vincent CHENG Wing-shun, BBS and The Honourable Judy CHAN Kapui, MH, JP; representatives from professional bodies, District Service Teams, eBRAM mediators, professional bodies, the estate agency sector, property owners, and tenants.

Ms Ho Wing-yin, Winnie, JP, Secretary for Housing delivered the Remarks

Dr Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM delivered the Remarks

Ms Melissa Kaye Pang, BBS, MH, JP, Chairman of AVS delivered the Remarks

Mr Albert Leung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of eBRAM introduced the "Pro-bono Mediation Service Scheme for the Basic Housing Unit Regime"

From left to right: The Honourable Vincent CHENG Wing-shun, BBS, MH, JP ; Dr Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM; Ms Ho Wing-yin, Winnie, JP, Secretary for Housing; Ms Melissa Kaye Pang, BBS, MH, JP, Chairman of AVS; The Honourable Judy CHAN Kapui, MH, JP