Government vows action as landlord-tenant rows block access at Wang Fuk Court

Official says authorities are prepared to make ‘alternative arrangements’ to ensure all residents have a fair chance to retrieve their belongings

Hong Kong authorities have pledged to intervene in landlord-tenant disputes preventing residents from retrieving belongings from the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court, as packing efforts enter their 10th day.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said on Wednesday that while the government expected agreement on limited entry quotas, authorities were prepared to make “alternative arrangements” to ensure all residents had a fair chance to retrieve their belongings.

“Our stance on this is very clear. The purpose of arranging access for residents is to allow them to retrieve their belongings,” Cheuk said. “If a consensus cannot be reached, the government will step in to ensure tenants are given a reasonable opportunity to return and collect their belongings.”

The Social Welfare Department said that while some disputes had occurred, the vast majority of cases involving conflicts between landlords and tenants had already been mediated by frontline social workers.

“If there are cases where, for example, residents still have requests or require further assistance after visiting their units, the department will continue to support and assist them in a manner that balances compassion, reason and the law,” said Director of Social Welfare Edward To Wing-hang.

In the nine days up to Tuesday, residents of four blocks – Wang Shing, Wang Yan, Wang Tao and Wang Cheung Houses – visited their flats to pack belongings under government arrangements.