Moving home and renting in Hong Kong
Organise viewings, tenancy documents, deposits, utilities, broadband, public-housing changes and follow-up around your moving date.
Start with the task you are preparing for and work through the next steps.
Start with these three stages
A move can leave bills unsettled at the old home while charges begin at the new one. Build one timeline for the tenancy, key handover, meter readings, deliveries and service activation. Use these guides at the relevant stage. Ordinary private tenancies, public housing and subdivided units need different checks, so identify the housing arrangement before copying someone else's checklist.
Before viewing, record your budget, household, transport needs and building condition. Check the landlord's identity, tenancy terms and repair responsibilities. For each proposed payment, establish its purpose, recipient and refund terms. Preserve the listing and written promises, then record the flat's condition before handover.
Work backwards from moving day to arrange utilities, internet, transport and furniture. Record readings, account details and key dates separately for each property. A broadband move and cancellation have distinct contract terms. Where service at the new address is uncertain, retain the contract and formal provider response.
After leaving, review final bills, deposits, address updates and unresolved repairs. Keep a dated record of enquiries and replies. Rent, utilities and consumer contracts have different dispute routes. For a public-housing household change, separately confirm the reporting requirements with the estate office.
What would you like to figure out?
13 guides found
Renting your first Hong Kong flat: viewing to handover
Check the landlord, costs, tenancy, and condition before paying and moving in.
Law and rightsRental deposit not returned? Start here
A practical way to document a handover, question deductions, and pursue a Hong Kong rental deposit.
Housing and movingStamping a Hong Kong tenancy agreement
Prepare tenancy details and check stamping deadlines, duty, and electronic submission requirements.
Law and rightsRental repairs: responsibility, notices and evidence
Distinguish ordinary leases from regulated subdivided-unit rights, then document danger, responsibility and repair notices.
Rule and policy updatesHong Kong's Basic Housing Unit regime: registration, recognition, and transition
Applications opened on 1 March 2026. Distinguish the 2027 enforcement stage, the grace period for registered units, and minimum standards.
Housing and movingMoving home: opening and closing water accounts
Record meter readings and handle the new account, old-account settlement, and deposit separately.
Housing and movingAn unexpectedly high water bill: readings, leaks, disputes, and reduction enquiries
Compare consumption, period, and meter readings, investigate possible leaks or misreading, and retain plumber and application records.
Housing and movingQuestions about an electricity bill: estimates, readings, and a formal enquiry
Identify the supplier and period, separate consumption from charges, check estimates or revisions, and retain handling instructions.
AI and digital lifeMobile and broadband contracts: renewal, moving, cancellation, and equipment return
Record the post-promotion price, contract dates, notice requirements, and equipment rules, and retain written confirmation.
Housing and movingChanges in a PRH household: members, deaths, departures, and the estate office
Notify the estate or tenancy office promptly of household changes, follow the applicable process, and verify the tenancy record.
Everyday servicesOld furniture and large appliances: reuse, recycling, and proper disposal
Separate reusable furniture, regulated appliances, and construction waste, and confirm collection, bookings, transport, and estate rules.
Housing and movingBuilding water-seepage complaints: the 2026 investigation process and repair evidence
Record the location and timing, identify the manager's, owner's and Joint Office's roles, and follow official letters and tests.
Housing and movingReceiving a mandatory window-inspection notice: qualified persons, quotations and completion
Use the notice's scope and deadline, verify the qualified person and repair contractor, and confirm formal submission beyond payment.
Written for the next step
Compiled by HomeHK with context, practical steps, and official sources. Guides distinguish Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland arrangements. Dates describe the content's preparation, not daily official verification.
Check the official page before acting
Fees, eligibility, capacity, and timetables change. Each guide links to official information for a final check. Seek appropriate individual advice for legal, tax, or medical decisions.