Vacant School Premises Sites | Hong Kong Housing Authority and Housing Department

In accordance with the Central Clearing House (CCH) mechanism, the Education Bureau upon confirming that a vacant school premises (VSP) site is no longer required for school use, will inform the Planning Department (PlanD) and other relevant departments (e.g. the Lands Department (LandsD) and the Housing Department (HD)). PlanD will conduct review under the mechanism, and recommend suitable long-term use (such as Government, Institution or Community (G/IC), residential and other uses) for the VSP site concerned. Before the implementation of the long-term uses for individual VSP sites, these sites may be arranged for government’s temporary uses or made available for applications for short-term by non-government organisations or social enterprises.

If the VSPs are managed by the HD, the HD will follow up on the relevant leasing arrangements for applications from government departments/non-governmental organizations for short-term use in accordance with the established mechanism.

The above information only covers VSP sites located in Public Rental Housing Estates/HOS Courts under the Housing Authority as reviewed by the CCH mechanism and does not include those currently retained by EDB for school use.

(I) Application Procedure

Applicant must submit a formal written application and a detailed proposal as well as obtain support from the relevant bureau(x), and submit the application to the Housing Department (District Tenancy Management Office/Estate Management Office).

List of Vacant School Premises Sites Available for Short-term Leasing (PDF Format)

(II) Application Period

In general, the applications are processed in order of receipt. If more than one applications for the use of the same VSP site are received simultaneously, the HD may set an application period and deadline according to the actual situation so as to consider all applications in a unified manner.

Notes on Written Application:

i.　 Submit by hand or courier services company	to the reception desk of the respective Estate Management Sub-division (District Tenancy Management Office/Estate Office) within office hours (Monday to Friday 8:45 am – 6:00 pm, except 1:00 pm -2:00 pm lunch time and public holidays) of the specified application period and be acknowledged receipt (with date of receipt shown) by HD staff; or
ii.　Submit by post	to the address of respective Estate Management Sub-division (District Tenancy Management Office/Estate Office). The application date is determined by the postmark. Applications which are delivered belatedly or returned to the applicants due to insufficient postage or wrong address will not be processed.

(III) Feasibility Study and Assessment Criteria

This includes technical and regulatory feasibility (e.g., compliance with the Buildings Ordinance and related regulations, land use restrictions, planning limitations, environmental factors), opinions from local stakeholders (e.g., consultation with district councilors and local groups), the specific circumstances of the relevant housing estate, and other relevant considerations.

If more than one application for the use of the same VSP site are received simultaneously, and all applications fulfil the relevant eligibility and assessment criteria, the HD will take the actual situation in local circumstances into consideration and coordinate with relevant qualified government departments or non-governmental organisations to achieve the arrangement that best fits the needs of the local community.

(IV) Rent

A nominal exclusive rent of $1 per month is charged (if applicable), and rates and government rent (if any) should be paid by the successful applicant.

(V) Tenancy Term of Short Term Use

The tenancy term for short-term leasing of the VSP site will normally range from 1 to 5 years (based on advice/consent from the Planning Department, Lands Department & Housing Department.), without an option to renew. Any request for renewal of the tenancy is subject to future review.

(VI) Responsibilities of Maintenance and Repair

The VSP sites will be handed over on an as-is basis to the eventually approved government departments/non-governmental organizations (the Tenant/Licensee) for use. HD will not undertake refurbishment, decoration works or management of the VSP. The Tenant / Licensee will be responsible for all maintenance works of the premises, including the interior, exterior and structural elements of the whole premises, as well as electrical, fire services, plumbing, lift, ventilation and drainage installations, to the standards required by HD and relevant authorities.

For emergent maintenance and repair works involving endangering the life safety, the HD must first clarify the responsibilities of maintenance and repair for the concerned school premises. Subsequently, HD will apply for funding from the Architectural Services Department and work with relevant departments to study and follow up on the necessary maintenance and repair arrangements, depending on the actual situation.

(VII) Recovery of VSP site

In the event that the captioned school premises are repossessed for any programme, future planning, or development, the tenant/licensee must surrender the premises unconditionally upon expiry of the tenancy/license. Under such circumstances, the tenant/licensee shall have no entitlement to monetary compensation for any decoration or renovation works carried out, nor to any alternative premises offered by the HA/HD.