The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) today (April 23) announced that public housing tenants in short-term financial difficulties with rent in arrears may submit applications to the HA between April and September. The HA will temporarily withhold issuing a Notice-to-Quit (NTQ) to the tenants concerned during the period if their applications are approved.

     In a bid to help those tenants having financial problems to get through hardship during the pandemic, the HA had already temporarily withheld the issuance of an NTQ to tenants between May and October 2020 upon approval of their applications. Taking into account the persistent economic downturn, the HA extended the measure in November last year up to March this year.
 
     In addition, the HA has all along been providing assistance to tenants who are facing temporary financial difficulties through the Rent Assistance Scheme (RAS). Under the scheme, eligible applicants will be granted either a 50 per cent or 25 per cent rent reduction for a period of two years. When there is an increase in their household income or a change in the number of family members, RAS beneficiaries should take the initiative to inform the HA for a review of their eligibility. The HA will also conduct random checking to guard against possible abuse.
 
     Tenants may contact the respective estate offices or interim housing offices for details of the arrangements.
 

Ends/Friday, April 23, 2021
Issued at HKT 15:00

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