A public rental housing tenant has been fined $20,000 by the Tsuen Wan Magistracy for a making false statement in declaring to the Housing Authority his net asset value. The flat concerned has also been recovered.

Under the authority's current policy, the tenant had to declare household income and assets biennially for verification of his eligibility to continue occupying the public housing flat and for assessment of the rent payable.

In May last year, he falsely declared to the authority his net asset value. Subsequent investigations by Housing Department staff confirmed the tenant had a net asset value far beyond that which he declared. The tenant was then prosecuted.

The department adopts a zero-tolerance policy against any false declarations. Public rental housing tenants must provide true and accurate information. The department will carry out investigations in suspicious cases and take prosecution action as appropriate.