Two co-owners fined over $50,000 for not complying with removal order
Two co-owners were convicted and fined $52,060 in total, of which $32,060 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts yesterday (August 12) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).
The case involved an unauthorised structure of about 46 square metres on the flat roof of a residential building on Shek Yam Road, Kwai Chung. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD.
A spokesman for the BD said today (August 13), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take stringent enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.
Rating and Valuation Department issues requisition forms
The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) today (August13) sent out about 390000 requisition forms asking payers of rates and/or Government rent (payers) to provide occupation particulars, rents and tenancy details for different types of properties.
"The rental information collected will be used in a new round of general revaluation to reflect the latest market rental level of properties. The new rateable values will take effect on April 1, 2027," an RVD spokesman said.
"Whether their property is vacant, let or owner-occupied, payers should return the completed requisition form to the RVD within 21 calendar days from the date of issue. They can complete and submit an electronic form (Forme-R1A) by using the Electronic Submission of Forms service provided on the RVD website. The website also provides answers to commonly asked questions on completing the form. If they have difficulties in returning the form within the specified period, they must apply to the RVD in writing for an extension of time before the end of the specified period and should state their reasons."
Under the Rating Ordinance or the Government Rent (Assessment and Collection) Ordinance, any person who knowingly makes a false statement or refuses to furnish any of the particulars specified in the form commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $25,000 or $10,000 respectively, and an additional fine equivalent to three times the amount of rates and/or Government rent undercharged.
Payers are reminded to pay sufficient postage if they return the form by post to ensure timely postal delivery. Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the RVD.
Source: AI-found images
