Hong Kong – Property Letting

How does the property letting process work in Hong Kong?

Tenancy law in Hong Kong is primarily governed by the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap. 7), administered by the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) and supplemented by common law principles. Grasping this regulatory foundation is essential for anyone letting property in Hong Kong, whether they are locally resident or based abroad.

Landlords generally secure tenants through licensed estate agents, online property portals, or personal referrals. Before finalising any terms, it is both conventional and strongly recommended for prospective tenants to verify the owner’s identity and check whether the property carries a mortgage. Reviewing the land records allows a tenant to confirm ownership and establish whether any mortgage exists; where a property is mortgaged, the owner must obtain the mortgagee’s prior consent before proceeding with a letting.

Beyond specifying the rent amount, deposit, tenancy duration, and whether furnishings or appliances are included, the tenancy agreement should clearly set out the rights and obligations that both parties have agreed to. Unlike certain civil law countries where a prescribed template is legally mandatory for all residential tenancies, the Ordinance does not regulate the format of a general tenancy agreement — the parties are free to agree on both its form and all of its terms.

Hong Kong recognises two categories of formal rental document: a Lease, used where the tenancy exceeds three years, and a Tenancy Agreement, used where the term does not exceed three years. There is no material legal distinction between the two beyond the length of the letting. The vast majority of private residential lets are structured as two-year fixed terms, commonly incorporating a break clause that permits either party to exit after the first year.

Once the agreement is executed, both parties must pay stamp duty to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) within 30 days. The landlord of a domestic property must also file a Notice of New Letting or Renewal Agreement (Form CR109) with the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation for endorsement within one month of the tenancy document being signed. A landlord whose Form CR109 has not been endorsed by the Commissioner is not entitled to bring a legal action to recover rent.

In domestic tenancies, certain obligations are implied by the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance even when not expressly stated in the agreement. These include the tenant’s duty to pay rent on the due date, to refrain from causing unnecessary annoyance or disturbance, not to carry out structural alterations without prior written consent from the landlord, and not to use the premises for illegal or immoral purposes.

What types of rental arrangements are available in Hong Kong?

Rental arrangements in Hong Kong fall broadly into three categories: standard long-term residential letting, short-term residential letting, and holiday or visitor accommodation. Each category carries substantially different legal obligations, and landlords should have a clear understanding of the distinctions before selecting an approach.

Long-term residential letting is the dominant model in the private market. Rents in the private sector — which accounts for around half of the rental market — are determined by free negotiation. Fixed-term agreements of one to two years are the norm, and the general protections afforded by the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance apply to these arrangements.

Subdivided units (SDUs) — where a single residential flat is divided into multiple smaller lettable spaces — operate under a separate and considerably more tightly regulated regime. Tenancy control for SDUs in residential buildings is governed by Part IVA of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance, in force since 22 January 2022, which provides tenants with a range of protections including a four-year security of tenure, caps on rental deposits, and controls on rent increases. Landlords considering this model must also comply with the requirements of the new Basic Housing Units Ordinance.

Short-term and holiday letting is subject to strict legal restrictions. Under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (HAGAO), any premises that offers sleeping accommodation for a fee for periods of fewer than 28 consecutive days must hold a hotel or guesthouse licence. Letting without such a licence is unlawful. This effectively means that platforms such as Airbnb cannot legally be used for residential lettings unless the operator holds the appropriate hotel or guesthouse licence — a standard that standard residential apartments will almost certainly be unable to meet.

Many residential buildings in Hong Kong are additionally governed by a Deed of Mutual Covenant (DMC), which sets out the respective rights and responsibilities of property owners and occupiers. DMCs frequently contain clauses that restrict or prohibit using units for commercial purposes, including short-term rental activities. Landlords whose properties are subject to a DMC should review it closely before considering any short-term arrangement.

From a tax perspective, the Hotel Accommodation Tax (HAT), which had been waived since 2008, was reinstated at a rate of 3% with effect from 1 January 2025. This tax applies to accommodation charges, with hosts responsible for collecting it from guests and remitting it to the government, in addition to their existing liability for Property Tax on rental income.

What rental income can landlords expect, and how are rates set?

Rents in Hong Kong’s private sector are freely negotiated. There is no general system of rent control or statutory caps for standard private residential properties, meaning a landlord can set the initial rent at the prevailing market rate and agree on any increase at the time of renewal. This stands in contrast to frameworks such as Germany’s Mietspiegel rent index or Scotland’s rent adjudication system, where increases are constrained by published benchmarks or legislative limits.

For subdivided units alone, specific rent increase protections are in place. The provisions under Part IVA include a four-year security of tenure, restrictions on the size of rental deposits, and controls on the extent to which rent may be raised. Each regulated tenancy runs for a two-year term, and unless the circumstances fall within those specified in Part IVA of the Ordinance, the landlord is prevented from terminating the tenancy before that term expires.

Rental values across Hong Kong’s private market are shaped by a combination of factors: location, property size (expressed in saleable area in square feet), floor level, building age, and proximity to amenities and transport. Prestigious districts such as the Peak, Mid-Levels, Southside, and Kowloon Tong consistently command rents well above those found in the New Territories. For up-to-date market rental data and rateable values, landlords should consult the Rating and Valuation Department, which produces quarterly property review reports. Given how frequently market conditions shift, it is important to verify current figures directly with the RVD.

Landlords should also be familiar with rates — a government property tax based on a property’s rateable value. The Rating (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 came into operation on 1 November 2024, and from 1 January 2025 a progressive rating system applies to domestic tenements. Properties with a rateable value of HK$550,000 or below continue to be charged at 5% of rateable value. Where rateable value exceeds HK$550,000, rates are levied at 5% on the first HK$550,000, 8% on the next HK$250,000, and 12% on any value above that. Rates are ordinarily the landlord’s responsibility unless the tenancy agreement provides otherwise.

Do landlords need to provide a furnished or unfurnished property in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong law imposes no requirement for residential properties to be let either furnished or unfurnished. The choice is entirely a matter for negotiation between landlord and tenant, and both approaches are common in the private market. The tenancy agreement should record clearly whether furniture and appliances are being provided by the landlord, so that the position is formally documented from the outset.

In practice, furnished or part-furnished lets are more prevalent at the upper end of the market — particularly in apartments targeted at shorter-term corporate tenants or recently arrived professionals. Unfurnished or shell-condition lets are also widespread, especially for larger family apartments where tenants prefer to use their own belongings.

Whether a property is furnished or not has no bearing on its tax classification or the applicable property tax rate. However, furnishings are indirectly relevant to tax: the statutory 20% allowance built into the property tax calculation is designed to cover repairs, maintenance, and general outgoings, but does not provide any additional relief specifically for the cost of furnishings. Landlords seeking to claim actual expenditure in excess of the standard allowance should consult the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and a qualified tax adviser.

For subdivided units, the bar is set considerably higher by the Basic Housing Units Ordinance. Under the Basic Housing Unit (BHU) regulatory framework, SDUs must satisfy a set of minimum living condition standards — covering minimum floor area, ceiling height, fire safety, structural safety, a separate toilet, water supply, lighting and ventilation, and individual water and electricity meters — and must secure BHU recognition before they may be lawfully let for residential occupation.

Do you need a licence or registration to let a property in Hong Kong?

For standard long-term residential letting of entire apartments or houses in Hong Kong, there is no landlord licensing requirement. Any property owner — whether resident or non-resident — may let their property without first obtaining a landlord licence or seeking approval from a housing authority, provided the property meets the relevant building and safety standards.

There are, however, important registration obligations that function as a mandatory notification step. A landlord must lodge Form CR109 with the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation for endorsement within one month of entering into or renewing a domestic tenancy. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a fee of HK$310 becoming payable. Critically, a landlord who has not had the Form CR109 endorsed is not entitled to bring any legal action to recover rent — this is a significant practical consequence that should not be overlooked.

For subdivided units, the requirements are considerably more stringent. To address the problem of substandard SDUs and to secure safe, hygienic, and acceptable living conditions, the Basic Housing Units Ordinance (Cap. 658) was enacted on 26 September 2025. Under the BHU framework, SDUs must meet a prescribed set of minimum standards and obtain formal BHU recognition before they can be lawfully let for residential occupation.

For short-term or holiday lets of fewer than 28 consecutive days, a hotel or guesthouse licence is legally required under HAGAO — this applies regardless of whether the property owner is resident or non-resident. The Home Affairs Department Licensing Authority (HADLA) is the body responsible for issuing these licences. Given that the regulatory environment around short-term accommodation continues to develop, landlords should verify current requirements and procedures directly with HADLA.

The rights of property owners in Hong Kong are principally governed by the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap. 7), the Building Code, and various administrative regulations. Among these rights is the right of acquisition: residential properties in Hong Kong may be purchased by both residents and non-residents.

How do you register a tenancy agreement as a landlord in Hong Kong?

While no landlord licence application is required for a standard residential let, landlords must complete a mandatory tenancy registration and stamping process following execution of a tenancy agreement. The steps below apply to standard domestic (residential) tenancies.

1. Agree and sign the tenancy agreement. All essential terms — including rent, deposit, duration, furnished or unfurnished status, any break clause, and the responsibilities of each party — should be clearly expressed in writing. Both landlord and tenant sign the agreement, typically in two counterpart copies. For higher-value properties in particular, it is advisable to have a solicitor draft or review the document.
2. Pay stamp duty to the Inland Revenue Department. Both counterpart copies are ordinarily submitted to the Stamp Office of the Inland Revenue Department for stamping within 30 days of execution. Stamp duty is calculated on the basis of lease duration: 0.25% of total rent for leases of one year or less; 0.5% of yearly or average yearly rent for leases of one to three years; and 1% of yearly or average yearly rent for leases exceeding three years. Always confirm the applicable rates with the IRD, as these may be subject to change.
3. Register the lease at the Land Registry (if applicable). Where the tenancy document takes the form of a Lease — that is, a term exceeding three years — it should be registered at the Land Registry within 30 days of execution; failure to do so will cause it to lose priority under the Land Registration Ordinance. Registration of shorter tenancy agreements is not mandatory but may be prudent in some circumstances.
4. Lodge Form CR109 with the Rating and Valuation Department. Within one month of executing the tenancy agreement, the landlord must submit Form CR109 (Notice of New Letting or Renewal Agreement) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation for endorsement. Late submission is permitted on payment of a HK$310 fee (as of 2025), but the landlord’s entitlement to recover rent through legal action is suspended until endorsement is obtained. Forms and guidance are available from the RVD website.
5. For subdivided units: obtain BHU recognition. If the property being let is a subdivided unit, the landlord must comply with the Basic Housing Units Ordinance and obtain formal BHU recognition from the Housing Bureau before the unit may lawfully be occupied. This involves satisfying minimum standards relating to floor area, ceiling height, safety, and sanitation.
6. Declare rental income to the Inland Revenue Department. Rental income must be reported on the annual property tax return. The IRD issues Property Tax Returns on a yearly basis, and landlords are required to complete and submit them within the prescribed timeframe.

What are the rules around deposits in Hong Kong?

Standard practice in Hong Kong is for tenancy agreements to require the tenant to pay a rental deposit equivalent to two months’ rent, serving both as security and as assurance that the tenant’s obligations under the agreement will be performed. Three months’ deposit is occasionally encountered in the commercial property sector but is uncommon for residential lets.

Security deposits of two — and occasionally three — months’ rent are the norm. Once the tenancy agreement is signed, the deposit is retained by the landlord without accruing interest. Unlike the UK and Ireland, which operate statutory tenancy deposit protection schemes requiring landlords to place deposits with an approved independent scheme within a fixed deadline, Hong Kong has no comparable mechanism. The deposit is held directly by the landlord, with no formal escrow arrangement or government-managed protection scheme in place.

For regulated tenancies of subdivided units, the permissible deposit amount is subject to a statutory cap. The protections available to SDU tenants under the legislation include limits on rental deposits as well as controls on rent increases. Landlords of SDUs should verify the current deposit caps with the RVD, as the specific figures are set out in subsidiary legislation made under Part IVA of the Ordinance.

At the conclusion of a tenancy, the deposit should be returned to the tenant after any legitimate deductions have been made — these typically cover unpaid rent, utility charges owed by the tenant, or the cost of remedying damage beyond fair wear and tear. The Ordinance does not specify a statutory deadline for returning deposits, but returning or accounting for the deposit within two to four weeks of the tenancy ending is standard practice. Any disputed deductions may be referred to the Small Claims Tribunal for amounts up to HK$75,000. Landlords are well advised to maintain a detailed written inventory and to compile check-in and check-out condition reports to document the state of the property and substantiate any deductions.

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in Hong Kong?

The allocation of maintenance responsibilities in Hong Kong is governed primarily by the terms of the tenancy agreement itself rather than by a detailed statutory regime. The Ordinance does not contain provisions specifically addressing repair obligations. Where a dispute over maintenance or repair liability cannot be resolved by the parties, the matter may be determined by a court by reference to the express or implied terms of the tenancy and in accordance with common law principles.

A landlord’s basic obligations typically include: allowing the tenant to enjoy quiet possession of the premises throughout the tenancy term; handing over the premises in a condition consistent with what was agreed at the time of letting; and meeting all rates and outgoings attributable to the property, other than those for which the tenant has accepted responsibility.

It is standard for tenancy agreements to stipulate that tenants are responsible for maintaining and repairing the interior and non-structural elements of the property, and for returning it to the landlord at the end of the tenancy in its original handover condition, subject to fair wear and tear. There is an implied common law obligation on tenants to use a property in a tenant-like manner — that is, reasonably and properly — and to avoid causing waste or damage. This implied duty, however, relates only to reasonable use of the property and does not extend to requiring the tenant to undertake repairs.

Structural and building safety matters remain ultimately the landlord’s responsibility. The Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) empowers the Building Authority to declare a building dangerous and to compel its owner to address any structural deficiencies. Landlords are advised to commission periodic inspections by a registered building professional, particularly in the case of older buildings, and to comply fully with any orders issued under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme.

In practical terms, it is standard in Hong Kong for landlords to retain responsibility for structural repairs, major plumbing issues, and external building matters, while tenants manage routine internal upkeep and minor cosmetic maintenance. Where disagreements cannot be resolved between the parties, the Small Claims Tribunal and the courts are available as avenues of recourse.

How are letting agents used in Hong Kong, and what do they charge?

Licensed estate agents occupy a central position in Hong Kong’s rental market. The majority of private residential lets are arranged through agents who advertise properties, conduct viewings, screen prospective tenants, negotiate terms, and assist with drafting tenancy agreements. If you decide to engage an agent, you should agree on the details of the arrangement — including the commission amount and when it is payable — before signing the estate agency agreement.

All estate agents operating in Hong Kong must be licensed by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA), which oversees licensing requirements, professional standards, and conduct. Unlike the UK, where the Tenant Fees Act 2019 has largely prohibited agents from charging fees to tenants, Hong Kong places no such restriction on agents billing both landlord and tenant. The prevailing market practice (as of 2025) is for each party to pay the equivalent of approximately half a month’s rent as the agent’s commission on a standard two-year tenancy, though this is negotiable and not fixed by statute.

There are no statutory caps on agent fees for residential lettings in Hong Kong. Landlords should clarify the fee structure, payment timing, and the scope of services covered before entering into any estate agency agreement. For landlords based overseas, property management companies can also be retained on an ongoing basis to handle rent collection, maintenance coordination, tenant liaison, and regulatory compliance. Property management fees vary considerably; consult current market rates with agents or the EAA for guidance on regulated practices.

What taxes apply to rental income in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s tax regime is notably lighter than that of most developed economies, but landlords face two principal tax obligations: Property Tax on rental income and Stamp Duty on the tenancy agreement. There is no capital gains tax on property disposals for individuals.

Property Tax is the primary recurring tax on rental income. It is an annual income tax charged to property owners on the rent they receive — it is levied on the income produced by leasing the property rather than on the property itself. The tax applies to all land and buildings in Hong Kong, with the sole exceptions being government-owned properties and consular premises.

The property tax rate stands at 15% for the 2024–25 tax year, applied to the net assessable value. The applicable formula is: Net Assessable Value = (Rental Income – Rates Paid by Owner) × 80% × 15%. The automatic 20% statutory deduction is available to cover repairs, maintenance, and other outgoings, resulting in an effective tax rate of approximately 12% on gross rental income.

Resident landlords who also earn salaries or other income in Hong Kong may opt for assessment under Personal Assessment, which can in some circumstances produce a lower overall tax liability depending on individual circumstances. Corporate property owners may apply for an exemption from property tax and instead include their rental income within a profits tax return. This can prove advantageous given that corporate profits tax rates are 8.25% on the first HK$2 million and 16.5% on amounts above that threshold (2024–25 rates).

Property Tax for non-residents is assessed on the same basis as for residents — Hong Kong applies no separate higher withholding rate for foreign landlords. The tax residency of an individual is generally not relevant for profits tax purposes. Non-resident landlords should nonetheless seek professional advice on whether any double tax treaty between Hong Kong and their country of residence affects their overall exposure.

Stamp Duty on the tenancy agreement is a one-time tax triggered on signing. In Hong Kong, the tenant, landlord, and any other parties to the tenancy agreement are jointly and severally liable for the payment of stamp duty, due within 30 days of the date on which the agreement is signed. Hong Kong law does not specify how the liability is to be divided among the signatories, leaving it to them to negotiate; in practice, landlord and tenant typically agree to share the cost equally. Penalties of up to ten times the original duty may be imposed for late payment, and an unstamped tenancy agreement cannot be relied upon as evidence in legal proceedings or enforced through the courts.

All landlords should consult the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for current rates and filing obligations, and should engage a qualified Hong Kong tax adviser — particularly where rental income from Hong Kong intersects with tax liabilities in another jurisdiction.

What are the rules around ending a tenancy or evicting a tenant in Hong Kong?

The Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance 2004 removed security of tenure from the domestic tenancy framework, meaning residential tenants no longer hold any statutory right to renew a tenancy at prevailing market rates. This places Hong Kong in a comparatively landlord-friendly position relative to many other jurisdictions — for example, Ireland’s Part 4 tenancy provisions grant residential tenants the right to remain in a property for up to six years irrespective of the landlord’s wishes, while Scotland’s private residential tenancy regime is open-ended by default.

For tenancies created after 9 July 2004, the termination of a tenancy is governed by its express terms or by whatever the parties have mutually agreed. In the absence of agreement between the parties, a fixed-term tenancy cannot be brought to an end before its expiry date. Most two-year residential tenancies in Hong Kong include a break clause permitting either party to exit after the first year on one month’s notice, but this mechanism must be expressly included in the written agreement to be effective.

Where the tenancy agreement does not address the matter, the Ordinance provides that a landlord may forfeit a domestic tenancy on account of the following conduct by the tenant: failure to pay rent within 15 days of the due date; use of the premises for immoral or illegal purposes; causing unnecessary annoyance, inconvenience, or disturbance, including persistent late payment of rent; and making structural alterations to the premises without the landlord’s written consent.

Any eviction must follow proper judicial procedures: a landlord is not permitted to remove a tenant without first obtaining a court order. Self-help measures — such as changing the locks or disposing of the tenant’s belongings — are unlawful. Possession claims are heard in the District Court or the Lands Tribunal depending on the circumstances. When adjudicating a claim for possession, the court has discretion to grant relief against forfeiture in the tenant’s favour, having regard to the gravity of the breach, whether it was capable of being remedied, and whether any lasting harm was caused to the property.

For subdivided unit tenancies regulated under Part IVA, additional protections apply to tenants. Each regulated tenancy runs for a term of two years, and the landlord is prevented from terminating it before the expiry of that term unless the circumstances fall within those specifically identified in Part IVA of the Ordinance. Landlords of SDUs should consult the RVD before taking any steps to end a tenancy.

What should expat landlords know about managing property remotely?

A significant number of property owners in Hong Kong live and work outside the territory, and the legal and practical framework is broadly accommodating of remote ownership. Residential properties may be acquired by residents and non-residents alike. There are no restrictions on repatriating rental income from Hong Kong, which operates as an internationally open financial centre with no foreign exchange controls in place.

Property management companies represent the most practical solution for landlords based overseas. A reputable licensed agent or management firm can take on responsibility for finding tenants, collecting rent, coordinating maintenance, lodging Form CR109, and dealing with the RVD on the landlord’s behalf. Any power of attorney arrangements should be properly executed and, where necessary, notarised for use across different jurisdictions.

Tax compliance remains the landlord’s personal responsibility regardless of where they reside. Non-resident landlords are subject to the same property tax regime as resident owners — a flat rate of 15% on net assessable value (as of 2024–25). The IRD issues annual property tax returns and landlords are obliged to complete and submit them accurately and within the prescribed deadlines. Landlords holding their property through a corporate structure will typically have the company’s registered representative in Hong Kong handle these obligations, but individual landlords should ensure they have a dependable local contact or tax representative in place.

Non-resident landlords should also consider the implications of double tax agreements (DTAs). Hong Kong maintains an expanding network of comprehensive DTAs with a number of jurisdictions. Where rental income from Hong Kong is also subject to taxation in the landlord’s country of residence, a DTA may provide relief against double taxation. Advice from a qualified adviser with expertise in both Hong Kong tax and the relevant overseas jurisdiction is strongly recommended.

Finally, landlords whose properties are subject to a mortgage should confirm that their lender has given written consent to the letting. The owner of a mortgaged property must seek the mortgagee’s prior consent before proceeding with a tenancy. Where a property is let without such consent, the mortgagee may seek to recover possession, and a tenant in that situation faces the risk of eviction within a relatively short timeframe. This risk has implications both for the tenant’s security of occupation and for the landlord’s legal position.

Frequently asked questions about letting property in Hong Kong

Can a non-resident own and let property in Hong Kong?

Yes. Residential properties in Hong Kong may be acquired by residents and non-residents alike. Foreign nationals face no restrictions on owning or letting private residential property, and there are no controls on repatriating rental income. Non-resident landlords are subject to the same property tax obligations as those who are locally resident.

Do I need a landlord licence to let a property in Hong Kong?

For standard long-term residential lets of whole apartments, no landlord licence is required. You must, however, lodge Form CR109 with the Rating and Valuation Department within one month of signing a tenancy agreement and pay stamp duty to the IRD within 30 days. Subdivided units require BHU recognition under the Basic Housing Units Ordinance (as of 2025), and any letting of fewer than 28 consecutive days requires a hotel or guesthouse licence under HAGAO.

Is Airbnb legal in Hong Kong?

Under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance, any premises that charges a fee for sleeping accommodation for periods of fewer than 28 consecutive days must hold a hotel or guesthouse licence. Operating without one is illegal. Standard residential apartments will almost certainly be unable to obtain such a licence, which effectively makes Airbnb-style short-term letting unavailable to the vast majority of residential property owners.

How much is property tax on rental income in Hong Kong?

The property tax rate is 15% for the 2024–25 tax year, levied on the net assessable value. After the automatic 20% statutory deduction, the effective rate on gross rental income works out at approximately 12%. Consult the IRD for current rates and your specific assessment basis.

How much is the security deposit typically in Hong Kong?

The customary practice in Hong Kong is for tenancy agreements to require a rental deposit equivalent to two months’ rent as security. Unlike the UK or Ireland, there is no statutory deposit protection scheme — the deposit is held directly by the landlord. For subdivided units, deposit amounts are capped under Part IVA of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance; current caps should be confirmed with the RVD.

Who pays the letting agent’s commission in Hong Kong?

Both parties typically share the cost. The prevailing market practice (as of 2025) is for each side — landlord and tenant — to pay approximately half a month’s rent as commission on a standard two-year tenancy. No statutory cap applies to agent fees for residential lettings. All agents are required to be licensed by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA).

Can a landlord evict a tenant without a court order in Hong Kong?

No. Any eviction must be carried out through proper judicial procedures, and a landlord cannot remove a tenant without first securing a court order. Self-help eviction measures are unlawful. For fixed-term tenancies, a landlord is generally unable to terminate the agreement early except where the tenant has committed a material breach — and even then, a court process must be followed.

What stamp duty applies to a tenancy agreement in Hong Kong?

Stamp duty on tenancy agreements is charged as follows: 0.25% of total rent payable for leases of one year or less; 0.5% of yearly or average yearly rent for leases of one to three years; and 1% of yearly or average yearly rent for leases exceeding three years. The landlord, tenant, and any other signatories are jointly liable, with payment due within 30 days of signing. Current rates should be verified with the IRD Stamp Office.