Property Management Services Authority Welcomes The Government’s 
New Inspection Procedure for Water Seepage in Private Buildings

 

The Property Management Services Authority (PMSA) welcomes the Government’s proposal to implement new inspection procedure for investigating water seepage in private buildings on a pilot basis from mid-2026. The new measures aim to encourage owners to address and resolve seepage problems at an early stage, while actively promoting the use of mediation to settle disputes between households arising from water seepage, thereby reducing the need for Government intervention. The PMSA will work closely with the Joint Office for Investigation of Water Seepage Complaints (Joint Office) operated by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Buildings Department to enhance the property management (PM) industry’s understanding of the new measures and to encourage the industry to actively cooperate in resolving property water seepage issues and fostering community harmony.

Under the new inspection procedure, upon receiving a seepage complaint, the Joint Office will incorporate infrared thermal imaging analysis at Stage I of the investigation. This allows a preliminary assessment of the seepage source without the need to enter the upper unit. If the test shows that the moisture content at the seepage location is higher than 35%, and there is reason to believe that the source is from the unit above, the Joint Office will immediately issue a “Notification Letter” to the owner of the upper unit, requiring the owner to inspect and complete the repair within a specified period. If the seepage persists after the “Notification Letter” has expired, the Joint Office will simultaneously conduct Stage II and Stage III investigations. Once the source is confirmed to be from the upper unit, a “Nuisance Notice” will be and the Government’s inspection and testing costs will be recovered from the relevant owner. 

Dr. James Wong, Chairperson of the PMSA said, “The new measures leverage technology to significantly improve investigation efficiency. By issuing a relatively mild ‘Notification Letter’, the relevant owners are notified much earlier, encouraging them to fulfil their responsibility to properly maintain their properties at an early stage. This will help resolve water seepage problem in private buildings in a more harmonious and efficient manner.”

In addition, the Government is actively promoting the resolution of seepage disputes through mediation. This includes the launch of the “Scheme of Participation by Property Management Agents in Tackling Water Seepage in Residential Building”, whereby PM companies from 250 housing estates are currently participating. Over the past three years, approximately 70% of seepage cases in participating estates have been successfully resolved through coordination by the PM companies. To further strengthen the role of mediation, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, FEHD, and the Department of Justice will enhance the provision of free and practical mediation skills training for PM practitioners.

Dr. Wong added, “PM companies and practitioners are familiar with the building’s facilities, piping systems and layout, and they maintain regular communication with residents. Therefore, when disputes arise over seepage issues, PM practitioners and enforcement departments can work collaboratively to facilitate effective communication and resolve problems in a reasonable and amicable manner. Timely intervention by PM practitioners can often resolve disputes at an early stage, helping to alleviate public hardship, reduce disputes, and promote neighbourhood harmony.”

The PMSA has earlier formulated a Best Practice Guide on “Handling Water Seepage in Properties” based on information provided by the FEHD and with reference to the relevant legislation. The Guide outlines relevant legal responsibilities, related regulations and procedures for PM companies to assist in handling water seepage situations, with the aim of more effectively supporting licensed PM companies and practitioners in addressing seepage problems in private buildings.

The PMSA will closely monitor the implementation of the new inspection procedure and will provide relevant information and organise training seminars for the PM industry in a timely manner. This aims to enhance practitioners' understanding of the new measures and encourage the industry to actively collaborate in building a more livable community environment.


Ends/Tuesday, 14 April, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:30
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