Results of a phone survey show 80% of owners support the Government in introducing mandatory building inspections, the Housing, Planning & Lands Bureau says.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Deputy Secretary Olivia Nip said the building inspection fee for each household ranges from $200 to $2,000, depending on the number of flats in a building. But the maintenance charges are difficult to estimate.

She said some owners may have financial difficulties in carrying out inspections and maintenance, but financial assistance and technical support from the Housing Society and Urban Renewal Authority have been in place since earlier this year. They include raising the loan ceiling and helping with the formation of owners' corporations.

Referring to those able but uncooperative owners, Ms Nip said the Government would not compromise. It will carry out inspection and maintenance works first, and bill the concerned owners later.

She stressed building inspection and maintenance is the owners' responsibility, and the Government would only intervene in cases where public safety is endangered.

As some owners' corporations are facing hurdles from a minority of uncooperative owners, Ms Nip said the proposal of having owner corporations applying for loans on behalf of the owners can be considered.

Uncooperative owners to be penalised

But she said the proposal still needs technical refinements on issues like appeal channels and mortgage arrangements, and discussions with the Home Affairs Bureau will continue to add such provisions into the Building Management (Amendment) Regulations.

Ms Nip also pointed out the Building Ordinance was amended last year with penalties imposed on owners hindering owners corporations in abiding by the law.

A three-month public consultation on Mandatory Building Inspection was launched yesterday.

The consultation document and leaflets can be downloaded here. Views can be emailed to bmm@hplb.gov.hk.