Property Management Services Authority Formulates Best Practice Guide on
“Rodent Control in Residential Properties”
Property Management Industry Assists in Tackling Rodent Problem in Residential Properties
The Property Management Services Authority (PMSA), pursuant to the Property Management Services Ordinance (Cap. 626) (the Ordinance), has issued the Best Practice Guide on “Rodent Control in Residential Properties” (the Guide) to property management (PM) licensees, encouraging licensed PM companies and practitioners to assist in tackling rodent problem within residential properties.
To enhance the environmental hygiene standard of residential properties, the PMSA has formulated the Guide based on information provided by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and with reference to relevant legislation and regulations (including the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) (“PHMSO”)). The primary goal is to effectively assist licensed PM companies and their practitioners in carrying out rodent prevention and control work in buildings and properties.
Rodent problems affect not only the environmental hygiene in residential properties but can also spread diseases and pose public health risks. PM work is integral to the daily lives of the ordinary public, and PM practitioners, being familiar with the conditions of properties under their management, are competent to assist in tackling rodent problem within properties. This is key to promoting good environmental hygiene.
The Guide on “Rodent Control in Residential Properties” outlines the relevant liabilities and regulations: under the PHMSO, owner, occupier, incorporated owner or PM company of any premises has the duty to keep such premises free from rodent infestation; where such infestation is found, the Director of FEHD may issue notice to the relevant party requiring appropriate action to be taken in a timely manner; the legal consequences for failure to comply with any such notice; and rodent prevention and control measures to be taken by PM companies (including conducting regular inspection and eliminating food sources attracting rodents, proper garden management, removal of garbage and refuse, setting up traps and poison bait, engaging professional pest control service providers, educating occupants, and carrying out regular check and maintaining record, etc.), with a view to preventing the spread of diseases and reducing rodent risks. In addition to the FEHD’s active involvement, the PMSA has also consulted professional industry bodies and owners’ corporations in formulating the Guide. The Chinese and English versions of the Guide can be downloaded from the PMSA website (https://www.pmsa.org.hk/tc/regulatory/codes-of-conduct).
Dr James WONG, Chairperson of the PMSA, said, “Rodent problem in residential properties may arise from failure to eliminate the three basic survival conditions for rodents, namely ‘food sources’, ‘harbourage’ and ‘access’. PM companies and practitioners may refer to the Guide to reduce rodent risks through measures including conducting regular inspection, maintaining a clean environment, and educating occupants to actively participate in rodent control work.”
The PMSA has already issued a total of 26 Codes and Guides covering various PM areas, including “General Code of Conduct”, “Complaint Handling Mechanism of Property Management Companies”, “Effective Control over Property Management Business by Property Management Companies”, “Handling Moneys Received on behalf of Clients by Property Management Companies”, “Obligations of Property Management Companies regarding the Ending of their Appointment”, “Prevention of Corruption”, “Prescribed Conditions on Licences”, “Protection on Personal Data”, “Handling Payment for or Arranging Payment to be Made by Clients”, “Provision of Prescribed Information and Financial Documents to Clients”, “Carrying out Procurement for Clients and Prevention of Bid-rigging”, “Handling Emergencies”, “Handling Scaffolding Works”, “Handling Suspended Working Platform Works”, “Handling Outsourced Property Management Services”, “Prevention of Corruption – Staff Recruitment and Management”, “Distribution and Display of Promotional Material”, “Tree Management Work”, “Obligations of Property Management Company under the Building Management Ordinance”, “Handling Building Works”, “Handling Instrument of Appointing a Proxy”, “Handling Fire Safety Work”, “Slope Management Work”, “Handling Drainage Work”, “Handling Dripping Air Conditioners”, and “Handling Water Seepage in Properties”.
The PMSA will continue to issue various Codes and Guides covering other PM areas in order to provide guidance to the industry, and will review and update the issued Codes and Guides from time to time to stay in line with the latest development.
Ends/Friday, 13 February, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:00
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