Hong Kong authorities have said that around 4,200 transitional flats can meet the temporary accommodation needs of tenants displaced under future regulations that may force 33,000 subpar subdivided homes to undergo significant rectification.

Undersecretary for Housing Victor Tai Sheung-shing told lawmakers on Monday that the government would set aside up to 20 per cent of its 21,000 transitional homes for tenants affected by a subdivided flat regulation.

The regulation will only allow those meeting the official standards to become accredited “basic housing units” and remain on the rental market.

The bill is expected to pass by the end of October and gives time for owners to register from next March, as well as fix their properties by the end of February 2030.

Tai said some tenants of the 110,000 existing subdivided flats could look for basic housing units, as only 30 per cent of the current supply would have to undergo large-scale renovation to receive accreditation.

He added that some tenants could also be accommodated in the 189,000 public homes to be built in the coming five years.