First Conviction Under New Waterworks Regulation for Overcharging in Hong Kong
Registered consumer in Tsim Sha Tsui convicted of failing to comply with Water Authority's request under new Waterworks Regulations.
A registered consumer of a subdivided flat in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, has been convicted on January 8, 2025, for failing to provide relevant documents requested by the Water Supplies Department (WSD) in a case involving suspected overcharging for water.
This marks the first conviction under the new regulation 47A of the Waterworks Regulations, which came into effect following the enactment of the Waterworks (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 on April 19, 2024.
The convicted consumer pleaded guilty at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts.
The amended ordinance strengthens the power of the Water Authority in collecting evidence and requiring landlords, agents, and consumers to submit documents such as tenancy agreements, receipts, or payment records when investigating overcharging complaints.
Non-compliance with these requests is now an offense punishable by a fine of up to HK$10,000, with an additional fine of HK$1,000 for each day the violation continues.
The maximum penalty for overcharging for water has also been increased to HK$25,000, as part of a wider effort to deter illegal practices.
The ordinance further criminalizes the provision of false or misleading information to the Water Authority, carrying a penalty of up to HK$25,000 and six months in prison.
The WSD spokesman called for landlords to install separate water meters for subdivided flats (SDUs) to reduce the risk of non-compliance.
The WSD offers a Scheme for Installation of Separate Water Meters for SDUs, waiving water fee deposits and providing individual water bills.
Tenants in SDUs can request separate water meters, and the WSD will assist landlords with the installation.
If landlords refuse, they could be required to provide information on their water charges, especially in suspected overcharging cases.
The WSD encourages the public to report any suspected water overcharging incidents involving SDUs by contacting their hotline or WhatsApp service.
Public involvement will assist in combating illegal water overcharging and promoting fairness in the system.
This marks the first conviction under the new regulation 47A of the Waterworks Regulations, which came into effect following the enactment of the Waterworks (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 on April 19, 2024.
The convicted consumer pleaded guilty at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts.
The amended ordinance strengthens the power of the Water Authority in collecting evidence and requiring landlords, agents, and consumers to submit documents such as tenancy agreements, receipts, or payment records when investigating overcharging complaints.
Non-compliance with these requests is now an offense punishable by a fine of up to HK$10,000, with an additional fine of HK$1,000 for each day the violation continues.
The maximum penalty for overcharging for water has also been increased to HK$25,000, as part of a wider effort to deter illegal practices.
The ordinance further criminalizes the provision of false or misleading information to the Water Authority, carrying a penalty of up to HK$25,000 and six months in prison.
The WSD spokesman called for landlords to install separate water meters for subdivided flats (SDUs) to reduce the risk of non-compliance.
The WSD offers a Scheme for Installation of Separate Water Meters for SDUs, waiving water fee deposits and providing individual water bills.
Tenants in SDUs can request separate water meters, and the WSD will assist landlords with the installation.
If landlords refuse, they could be required to provide information on their water charges, especially in suspected overcharging cases.
The WSD encourages the public to report any suspected water overcharging incidents involving SDUs by contacting their hotline or WhatsApp service.
Public involvement will assist in combating illegal water overcharging and promoting fairness in the system.
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