Building Management (Amendment) Ordinance 2007 comes into force

The Building Management (Amendment) Ordinance 2007, except for the provisions relating to mandatory procurement of third party risks insurance by owners's corporations (OCs), would come into force on August 1, a spokesman for the Home Affairs Department said today (July 31).

The Building Management (Amendment) Bill 2005 was introduced to the Legislative Council in April, 2005, with a view to improving the present legal framework governing the incorporation of owners and the operation of OCs. 

After nearly two years' scrutiny, it was passed on April 25, 2007, and became the Building Management (Amendment) Ordinance 2007. 

The spokesman said the Bills aimed to rationalise the appointment procedures of a management committee and its members, assist OCs in performing their duties and exercising their powers, and safeguard the interests of property owners. 

"It also brings improvement to the Building Management Ordinance, in particular those areas leading to disputes in the past, which include the procedures of appointing a management committee and its members, the appointment of proxies, as well as the procurement and financial arrangements for OCs and building managers," he said.

Property owners and OCs are welcome to obtain new guidebooks on the Building Management Ordinance and the Amendment Ordinance from the Public Enquiry Service Centres of the 18 District Offices. These publications are also available at Home Affairs Department's Building Management website at www.buildingmgt.gov.hk. 

They are also encouraged to attend district briefings organised by their respective District Offices. 

End/Tuesday, July 31, 2007