An enhanced marking scheme on tenancy-related misdeeds will be introduced in all Housing Authority shopping centres and markets from October 1 with a two-week grace period.

Its warning mechanism has been simplified to comprise one written caution. Prior warning is also extended to cover five misdeeds, to enhance the scheme's effectiveness.

Tenants allotted 16 points accumulated over a two-year period will have their tenancies terminated. They will be alerted once the accrued points reach 10 or above. Points accumulated will be valid for two years and will be cleared only upon expiry of the validity period.

When 16 points have been accrued, a notice-to-quit will be served to terminate the tenancy. All relevant circumstances will be considered in deciding whether to issue the notice and the Housing Department will act in a reasonable manner. As with all tenancy termination cases, the tenant can appeal.

Points for misdeeds

The scheduled misdeeds and the points to be allotted are:

* unauthorised sale of cooked food or operation of food factory - 7 points;

* denying department staff or staff representing the department entry for inspection or repairs - 7 points;

* disposing of trade refuse indiscriminately in public areas - 5 points;

* accumulating refuse inside the leased premises, creating an offensive smell and hygienic nuisance - 5 points;

* unauthorised tapping and improper use of water from the Housing Authority's water points - 5 points;

* causing obstruction in public areas - 3 points;

* depositing paraphernalia indiscriminately on top of the shopstall - 3 points;

* blocking floor drains and refusing to take timely remedial action - 3 points; and,

* overspill of exclusively used grease trap - 3 points.

The scheme is not applicable to markets let to single operators. They have to observe the obligations stipulated in their leasing agreements with the authority.

Meanwhile, the Incentive Award Scheme will be relaunched on a quarterly basis, including the award for the best toilet management and the best hygiene award for food premises.