Press Releases

Press Releases

DateTitleTagstags_hfilter
13/11/2023Property Management Industry Code of Conduct “Obligations of Property Management Company under the Building Management Ordinance” Gazetted to Take Effect Today
11/11/2023“PMSA Annual Report 2022-23” Presented to the Legislative Council Countdown to New Milestone for Property Management
01/11/2023Property Management Services Authority Announces Professional Body Recognised
16/02/2023Less than Six Months Remain for the Transitional Period of the Property Management Industry Licensing Regime Property Management Sector Stepping Up to Apply for Licence The Property Management Services Authority Drives the Industry to Obtain Licence Smoothly Before the End of the Transitional Period, 2023 2023-tc-2
02/02/2023Property Management Services Authority Conducts Exchanges with Delegation of Housing and Construction Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, 2023 2023-tc-2
01/02/2023The Property Management Services Authority Launches Continuing Professional Development Voucher Scheme to Encourage Continuing Education for Property Management Practitioners2023
20/12/2022Near 200 Members of the Property Management Industry Participated in the Property Management Services Authority Continuing Professional Development Seminar
to Strengthen Awareness on Building Maintenance and Scaffolding Work Safety
2022-2
28/11/2022Property Management Services Authority Issues Over 10,000 Property Management Practitioner Licences2022-2
25/11/2022Property Management Services Authority Welcomes the Appointment of New Chairman and Members, 2022-2 2022-3
24/11/2022List of Property Management Licensees to be Gazetted Tomorrow, 2022-2 2022-3
02/11/2022“PMSA Annual Report 2021-22” Presented to the Legislative Council
Countdown to the Ending of the Property Management Licensing Regime Transitional Period and Building a New Way Forward
2022-2
27/10/2022“Handling Suspended Working Platform Works” Code of Conduct for Property Management Industry to be Gazetted Tomorrow, 2022-2 2022-3
25/10/2022Continuing Professional Development Seminar Jointly Organised by
Property Management Services Authority and
Independent Commission Against Corruption
to Raise Industry’s Professional and Integrity Standard
2022-2
20/10/2022Property Management Company Licence Issued to Hong Kong Housing Society2022-2
14/10/2022The Property Management Services Authority Formulates “Handling Suspended Working Platform Works” Code of Conduct and Issues Revised Edition of “Protection of Personal Data” Best Practice Guide, 2022-2 2022-3
31/08/2022The Property Management Services Authority Organises Property Management Industry Continuing Development Seminar at the 2nd International Property Management and Procurement Expo2022-2
31/08/2022PM Pioneers — The Property Management Services Authority Commends Over 100 Property Management Companies For Taking the Lead to be Licensed2022-2
30/08/2022The 2nd International Property Management and Procurement Expo – Ribbon-cutting Ceremony Marks the Opening of the Property Management Services Authority Booth
29/08/2022Over 18,000 Applications Received under the Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector, 2022-2 2022-3
25/08/2022List of Property Management Licensees to be Gazetted Tomorrow2022-2
09/08/2022Property Management Services Authority Launches Licence Application Appointment Booking Scheme Enabling Property Management Companies Complying with Law to be Licensed before End of Transitional Period2022-2
01/08/2022The Property Management Services Authority issues over 100 Property Management Company Licences2022-2
28/07/2022“Handling Emergencies” and “Handling Scaffolding Works” Codes of Conduct for Property Management Industry to be Gazetted and Take Effect Tomorrow2022-2
26/07/2022The Property Management Services Authority Welcomes the Visit of
Secretary and Under Secretary for the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau
2022-2
13/07/2022“Handling Emergencies” and “Handling Scaffolding Works” Codes of Conduct for Property Management Industry to be Gazetted This Month2022-2
04/07/2022The Property Management Services Authority Launches TV and Radio Announcements in the Public Interest
to Remind the Public to Pay Attention to Whether the Property Management Companies They Have Engaged Are Licensed
2022-2
28/06/2022Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector
Deadline for Application: 30 Jun 2022
2022-2
27/06/2022Members of the Hong Kong Real Estate Agencies General Association Submit Provisional Property Management Practitioner Licence Applications in Bulk
Nearly 7,500 Licences Issued by the Property Management Services Authority
2022-2
22/06/2022The Property Management Services Authority and the Home Affairs Department Held Meeting with the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions to Follow Up on the Referral Cases Regarding the Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector2022-2
07/06/2022The Property Management Services Authority and the Home Affairs Department Held Meeting with the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions on the Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector, 2022-2 2022-3
02/06/2022The Property Management Services Authority Held Meeting with the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions on the Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector
Over 17,000 Applications for more than 180,000 Frontline Property Management Workers Received under the Scheme
Nearly 75,000 Workers Already Granted Subsidy of over $700 Million in total
, 2022-2 2022-3
30/05/2022Members of The Federation of Hong Kong Property Management Industry Submit Property Management Company Licence Applications in Bulk
Over 7,000 Licences Issued by the Property Management Services Authority
, 2022-2 2022-3
26/05/2022Property Management Services Authority Welcomes Extension of the Application Deadline to June 30 for Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector2022-2
24/05/2022Nearly 17,000 Applications for Over 180,000 Frontline Property Management Workers Received under the Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector
More Than 50,000 Workers Already Granted Total Subsidy of Over $500 Million
2022-2
12/05/2022List of Property Management Licensees to be Gazetted Tomorrow Almost 7,000 Licensed Property Management Practitioners and Companies Up-to-date
Appealing to Property Management Companies for Making Licence Application Soonest Possible
2022-2
29/04/2022Enhanced Arrangement Rolled Out for the Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector with Deadline for Application Extended to May 312022-2
28/04/2022Over $300 Million Already Granted under the Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector before the Deadline for Application2022-2
25/04/2022Property Management Services Authority Continuing Professional Development Seminar Draws Over 250 Participants
Strengthening Mediation and Applied Information Technology Knowledge and Skills for Property Management
21/04/2022“Carrying out Procurement for Clients and Prevention of Bid-rigging” Code of Conduct for Property Management Industry to be Gazetted Tomorrow2022-2
13/04/2022Over $100 Million Subsidies Already Granted under the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector”
31/03/2022“Carrying out Procurement for Clients and Prevention of Bid-rigging” Code of Conduct for Property Management Industry to be Gazetted for Implementation next Month2022-2
18/03/2022Property Management Industry Licensing Regime End of Transitional Period – 500 Days To Go
Property Management Services Authority Launches Countdown Clock to Witness a New Milestone of the Property Management Industry
28/02/2022The Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Environmental Hygiene and Security Staff in Property Management Sector Formally Launched for Receiving Applications2022-2
17/02/2022List of Property Management Licensees to be Gazetted Tomorrow
Earnestly appeal to Property Management Companies to apply for licence soonest possible and Owners’ Organisations to Examine and Pay Attention to the Licence Application Situation of their Property Management Companies
15/02/2022Property Management Services Authority Welcomes the Government’s Latest Round of Anti-Epidemic Fund which Recognises and Supports Frontline Property Management Workers’ Efforts in Combatting COVID-19
07/02/2022Property Management Services Authority (PMSA) Chairperson publishes new PMSA blog post Outlook for property management industry licensing regime and Lunar New Year message2022-2
27/01/2022Property Management Services Authority Launches Continuing Professional Development Scheme on a Voluntary Participation Basis2022-2
20/01/2022Property Management Services Authority to Gazette Tomorrow for Implementation “Handling Payment for or Arranging Payment to be Made by Clients” and “Provision of Prescribed Information and Financial Documents to Clients” Codes of Conduct
18/01/2022Property Management Services Authority Chairperson Attends Construction Industry Council’s Webinar on “Truss-out Bamboo Scaffolding Safety”2022-2
06/01/2022Property Management Services Authority releases microfilm “Property Management – Good Job!” to promote property management industry2022-2
03/01/2022“Handling Payment for or Arranging Payment to be Made by Clients” and “Provision of Prescribed Information and Financial Document to Clients” Codes of Conduct for Property Management Industry to be Gazetted for Implementation within this Month2022-2
26/11/2021PMSA Consulted Stakeholders in Preparing Code of Conduct on “Handling Payment for or Arranging Payment to be Made by Clients”2021-2
25/11/2021List of Property Management Licensees to be Gazetted Tomorrow2021-2
08/11/2021Over 5,000 Property Management Licences Issued Owners’ Organisations Encouraged to Give Priority to Licensed Property Management Companies when Procuring Property Management Services2021-2
26/10/2021Property Management Services Authority organised “Continuing Professional Development Seminar – Law and Regulations”2021-2
21/10/2021“Protection of Personal Data” Code of Conduct for Property Management Industry to be Gazetted Tomorrow2021-2
20/10/2021“PMSA Annual Report 2020-21” Presented to the Legislative Council Implementation of Licensing Regime Laid New Milestone for the Development of the Property Management Industry2021-2
19/10/2021The PMSA Issued Appeal Letter Inviting Property Management Companies Not Yet Licenced to Commence Licence Application Process Under the Property Management Licensing Regime and Offering Dedicated Licensing Services2021-2
18/10/2021Property Management Services Authority Announces the Updated List of Recognized Professional Bodies2021-2
12/10/2021“Protection of Personal Data” Code of Conduct for Property Management Industry to be Gazetted for Implementation within this Month2021-2
11/09/2021Exchange Meeting of the Ex-officio Members of the Election Committee (Architectural, Surveying, Planning and Landscape Sub-sector) with the Industry
20/08/20214,000 Property Management Licences IssuedList of Licensees Gazetted Today
19/08/2021PMSA Held a Focus Group Meeting Today to Collect Views from Stakeholders to Prepare Code of Conducts and Related Best Practice Guides on “Handling Instrument Appointing a Proxy”, “Provision of Prescribed Information and Financial Documents to Clients” and “Protection of Personal Data” for the Industry2021-2
01/08/2021Property Management Industry Licensing Regime Marks First Anniversary2021-2
22/07/2021Codes of Conduct for Property Management Industry Entitled “Prevention of Corruption” and “Prescribed Conditions on Licences” to be Gazetted Tomorrow2021-2
13/07/2021Codes of Conduct for Property Management Industry Entitled “Prevention of Corruption” and “Prescribed Conditions on Licences” will be Gazetted for Implementation within this Month2021-2
12/07/2021Property Management Services Authority Expresses Concern about the Tseung Kwan O Choi Ming Court Incident2021-2
01/07/2021Applicants for Provisional Property Management Practitioner Licence can select Different Licence Validity Period with effect from 1 August
10/06/2021Property Management Services Authority Announces the Updated List of Recognized Professional Bodies2021-2
08/06/2021PMSA Held a Focus Group Meeting Today to Collect Views from Stakeholders
Develop Code of Conducts and Related Best Practice Guides on “Prevention of Corruption” and “Prescribed Conditions on Licences” for the Industry
2021-2
01/06/2021Property Management Services Authority Fully Supports Government’s “Early Vaccination for All” Campaign2021-2
20/05/2021Over 3,000 Property Management Licences Issued List of Licensees to be Gazetted Tomorrow
Simplified Licence Application Procedures to Facilitate Formal Licence Application by Provisional PMP Licence Holders upon Completion of Specified Courses
2021-2
13/05/2021Inaugural “Continuous Professional Development Activity” of the PMSA Successfully Held2021-2
06/05/2021Codes of Conduct for Property Management Industry Entitled “Handling Moneys Received on Behalf of Clients by Property Management Companies” and “Obligations of Property Management Companies Regarding the Ending of their Appointment” Will Be Gazetted Tomorrow
29/04/2021PMSA formulates the Codes of Conduct entitled “Handling Moneys Received on Behalf of Clients by Property Management Companies” and “Obligations of Property Management Companies Regarding the Ending of their Appointment” and the Relevant Best Practice Guides2021-2
08/04/2021The PMSA Issued an Appeal Letter to Owners’ Organisations on the Property Management Industry Licensing Regime2021-2
30/03/2021First Batch Students of the PMSA Specified Courses Will Soon Graduate
PMSA Chairperson Issued an Appeal and Appreciation Letter to the Students
24/02/2021PMSA Held a Focus Group Meeting Today to Collect Views from Stakeholders and Develop Practical Guides for the Industry2021-2
19/02/2021Over 2,000 Property Management Licences Issued
List of Licensees Gazetted Today
2021-2
10/02/2021Over 2,000 Property Management Licences Issued Under the Property Management Industry Licensing Regime2021-2
08/01/2021Codes of Conduct for Property Management Industry entitled “Complaint Handling Mechanism of Property Management Companies” and “Effective Control over Property Management Business by Property Management Companies” Gazetted Today2021-2
31/12/2020Over $1.1 Billion Subsidies Granted under the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” of the Anti-epidemic Fund
30/12/2020PMSA formulates the Codes of Conduct entitled “Complaint Handling Mechanism of Property Management Companies” and “Effective Control over Property Management Business by Property Management Companies”, and the relevant Best Practice Guides
18/12/2020Property Management Services Authority Launches Revamped Website2020-en
25/11/2020Property Management Services Authority Fully Supports the Policy Address Proposal to Subsidise the Property Management Industry to Hire Young People and Create Job Opportunities2020-en
19/11/2020Over 1,000 Property Management Licences Issued Under the Property Management Industry Licensing Regime2020-en
13/11/2020Over 900 Property Management Licences Issued List of Licensees Gazetted Today2020-en
29/10/2020Over $1.1 Billion Subsidies Granted and Follow-up Work for the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” of the Anti-epidemic Fund in Full Swing2020-en
21/10/2020“PMSA Annual Report 2019-20” Presented to the Legislative Council Active Work for the Implementation of the Property Management Industry Licensing Regime2020-en
03/09/2020Over $930m Subsidies Granted under the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” of the Anti-epidemic Fund2020-en
01/09/2020Property Management Licensing Regime Implemented for One Month Positive Feedback from the Industry Over 900 Bookings for Licence Application Received2020-en
27/08/2020Over $850m Subsidies Granted under the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” of the Anti-epidemic Fund2020-en
20/08/2020Property Management Services Authority Issues the First Batch of Property Management Practitioner Licences2020-en
18/08/2020Over $700m Subsidies Granted under the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” of the Anti-epidemic Fund2020-en
13/08/2020Strengthening Communication to Facilitate the Industry in Licence Application2020-en
07/08/2020Gazettal of “General Code of Conduct” for Property Management Industry Today2020-en
05/08/2020Over $540m Subsidies Granted under the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” of the Anti-epidemic Fund2020-en
31/07/2020Licensing Regime for Property Management Companies and Property Management Practitioners Comes into Operation Tomorrow2020-en
20/07/2020Implementation of the Licensing Regime for Property Management Companies and Property Management Practitioners Appointment for Licence Application can be Made Online from 27 July2020-en
09/07/2020PMSA Urges Property Management Companies and Owners’ Organisations to Seize the Final Opportunity for Applying the ASPM2020-en
22/05/2020Licensing Regime for Property Management Companies and Practitioners to be Implemented Soon2020-en
06/05/2020HK$120 Million Subsidies Granted under the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” of the “Anti-epidemic Fund”2020-en
25/04/2020“Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector (Phase II)” under “Anti-epidemic Fund” Covers Industrial and Commercial Buildings2020-en
17/04/2020Appointment of Chief Executive Officer of the Property Management Services Authority (with photo)2020-en
15/04/2020Application Deadline Extended and More Properties Included in ASPM under Anti-epidemic Fund2020-en
02/04/2020Over HK$8 Million Subsidies Granted Under the “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” of the “Anti-epidemic Fund”2020-en
13/03/2020Anti-epidemic Fund “Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector” Opens for Online Applications2020-en
28/02/2020Anti-epidemic Support Scheme for Property Management Sector (ASPM)2020-en
29/11/2019Appointment of Members of Property Management Services Authority2019-en
12/11/2019Property Management Services Authority Plans to Commence the Licensing Regime by Early Next Year2019-en
31/07/2019Open Recruitment for the Chief Executive Officer of the Property Management Services Authority2019-en
20/05/2019Property Management Services Authority Plans to Submit Subsidiary Legislation for Licensing Regime2019-en
29/03/2019New Executive Office of the Property Management Services Authority Officially Put into Service ( with photo )2019-en
28/12/2018Appointment of Chief Executive Officer of the Property Management Services Authority(with photo)2018-en
17/12/2018Proposed Licensing Regime for Property Management Companies and Property Management Practitioners under the Property Management Services Authority2018-en
03/12/2018Property Management Services Authority Extended the Period of Public Consultation on the Licensing Regime to 18 January 20192018-en
21/11/2018Property Management Services Authority Launched Public Consultation on the Licensing Regime for Property Management Companies and Property Management Practitioners2018-en
28/06/2018Property Management Services Authority to collect levy from July 12018-en
23/02/2018Collection of levy by Property Management Services Authority under Property Management Services Ordinance2018-en
21/02/2017Property Management Services Authority holds first meeting (with photo)2017-en
25/11/2016Appointments to the Property Management Services Authority2016-en

Examples of the application of the minimum manning ratios

The criteria for holding a property management company (PMC) licence are:
  • Criterion 1: The PMC must engage at least one licensed PMP (Tier 1) (whether part-time or full-time), who has effective control of the provision of property management services by the PMC; and
  • Criterion 2: The PMC must engage a number of full-time licensed PMPs that meets the minimum manning ratios specified by the PMSA.
The minimum manning ratios are:
Below are some examples of how the manning ratios are applied:
ExampleNumber of flats in the portfolioThe required number of full-time licensed PMPs engaged
Tier 1Tier 2Total
A0000
B1,500112
C1,501123
D3,000123
E3,001235
F5,900246
G20,00071421
In Example A, the PMC does not have any property in its portfolio. One reason could be that the PMC is newly established and has not entered into any management contract yet. Another reason could be that the PMC has outsourced all property management services to another licensed PMC (subcontractor) in which case the property in question is deemed to be in the portfolio of the subcontractor (more examples of outsourcing may be found here). In these cases, the PMC is not required to engage any licensed PMP, but for it to hold a PMC licence, it must still fulfil criterion 1 stated above.
If the licensed PMP (Tier 1) who fulfils criteria 1 is engaged on a full-time basis, then he or she may be included in the staff of full-time licensed PMPs for the purpose of meeting the minimum manning ratios.
A PMC may choose to engage an equal number of licensed PMP (Tier 1), instead of licensed PMP (Tier 2), to fulfill the minimum manning ratio for licensed PMP (Tier 2). For example, a PMC in Example D stated above may choose to engage a total of three licensed PMPs (Tier 1) instead of one licensed PMP (Tier 1) and two licensed PMPs (Tier 2).
“Flats” are defined as any premises in a building which are referred to in a deed of mutual covenant (DMC) whether described therein as a flat or by any other name and whether used as a dwelling, shop, factory, office or for any other purpose, of which the owner, as between himself and owners or occupiers of other parts of the same building, is entitled to the exclusive possession. Properties without a DMC are not to be included in the portfolio for the purpose of the minimum manning ratios. More information about how the number of flats should be calculated may be found here.
ic-pmsa-line
Effective Control over Property Management Business by Property Management Companies

Copy No.: C3/2021
Effective Date: 8 January 2021

Preamble

The following code of conduct (“Code”) is issued by the Property Management Services Authority pursuant to section 5 of the Property Management Services Ordinance (“PMSO”) and contains practical guidance for the purposes of section 4 of the PMSO (disciplinary offences). Although a licensee1 does not incur a legal liability only because the licensee has contravened a provision of the Code, the Code is admissible in evidence in disciplinary hearings, and proof that a licensee contravened or did not contravene the relevant provision of the Code may be relied on as tending to establish or negate a matter that is in issue in the hearings.

Code

Establishing mechanism for effective control over business

A(1) A licensed property management company (“licensed PMC”) has to establish an effective control mechanism (“mechanism”) for its business to provide property management services (“PMSs”). The mechanism shall include the following elements:

  • Establishing management team structure;
  • Setting out work guidelines;
  • Providing sufficient manpower;
  • Providing sufficient resources;
  • Providing appropriate training;
  • Effective monitoring;
  • Regular assessment;
  • Taking appropriate follow-up actions;
  • Keeping records; and
  • Supervising sub-contractors.

Establishing management team structure

B(1) A licensed PMC has to, with respect to each property for which PMSs are provided by it, establish a management team structure and prepare a management team operational chart to enable its employees to know the structure of the management team in order to facilitate carrying out duties and reporting work development.

Setting out work guidelines

C(1) A licensed PMC has to set out proper work procedures and clear guidelines for its employees to follow in the provision of PMSs. A licensed PMC has to review and/or update the relevant work procedures and guidelines regularly to ensure that they comply with operational requirements.

Providing sufficient manpower

D(1) A licensed PMC has to enter into an agreement with its client2 with respect to the provision of PMSs and has to arrange sufficient manpower to provide PMSs according to the agreement.

Providing sufficient resources

E(1) A licensed PMC has to provide necessary and suitable material and equipment to its employees so as to enable them to provide PMSs effectively under safe working conditions.

Providing appropriate training

F(1) A licensed PMC has to provide appropriate training to its employees in the provision of PMSs in order to enable them to perform their duties in compliance with the relevant work procedures and guidelines. A licensed PMC has to strengthen training for employees who fail to perform their duties according to the relevant work procedures and guidelines.

Effective monitoring

G(1) A licensed PMC has to continuously and effectively monitor the work and conduct of its employees who provide PMSs and has to conduct regular review to ensure that its employees follow the relevant work procedures and guidelines.

Regular assessment

H(1) A licensed PMC has to periodically evaluate the work performance of its employees who provide PMSs in order to determine whether its employees have followed the relevant work procedures and guidelines and consider whether it is necessary to strengthen training or provide further guidance.

Taking appropriate follow-up actions

I(1) A licensed PMC has to take appropriate follow-up actions in respect of employees who fail to follow the relevant work procedures and guidelines.

Keeping records

J(1) A licensed PMC has to keep the relevant information and documents in relation to the implementation of the Code for not less than 3 years.

Supervising sub-contractors

K(1) If a licensed PMC sub-contracts all or part of its PMSs to a sub-contractor or a service provider, the licensed PMC has to supervise the sub-contractor or service provider suitably, no matter whether the sub-contractor or service provider is a licensee or not.

Note

  1. The term “licensee” means the holder of the following licence: a PMC licence; a PMP (Tier 1) licence; a PMP (Tier 2) licence; a provisional PMP (Tier 1) licence; or a provisional PMP (Tier 2) licence.
  2. The term “client” has the same meaning as defined in section 16 of the PMSO, i.e. “in relation to a property for which a licensed PMC provides property management services, means— (a) the owners’ organization of the property; and (b) the owners of the property who pay or are liable to pay the management expenses in respect of the services”. According to such definition, a tenant is not a client.
ic-pmsa-line
Complaint Handling Mechanism of Property Management Companies

Copy No.: C2/2021
Effective Date: 8 January 2021

Preamble

The following code of conduct (“Code”) is issued by the Property Management Services Authority pursuant to section 5 of the Property Management Services Ordinance (“PMSO”) and contains practical guidance for the purposes of section 4 of the PMSO (disciplinary offences). Although a licensee1 does not incur a legal liability only because the licensee has contravened a provision of the Code, the Code is admissible in evidence in disciplinary hearings, and proof that a licensee contravened or did not contravene the relevant provision of the Code may be relied on as tending to establish or negate a matter that is in issue in the hearings.

Code

Complaint procedures and systems

A(1) A licensed property management company (“licensed PMC”) has to establish an effective complaint2 handling mechanism (“mechanism”) for each property for which property management services (“PMSs”) are provided by it. A notice containing details of the mechanism shall be displayed in a prominent place in the property so as to enable the licensed PMC’s clients3 to know the details of the mechanism.

A(2) The notice mentioned in paragraph A(1) of the Code shall include the details of the mechanism and the following matters:

  • Ways of lodging a complaint;
  • Clients may obtain details of the mechanism4;
  • Personal information collection statement; and
  • Contact information of the person-in-charge (see paragraph B(1) of the Code).

A(3) The mechanism shall include the following elements:

  • Appointing a person-in-charge to supervise the handling of complaints;
  • Acknowledging receipt of and recording complaints;
  • Handling complaints promptly;
  • Notifying complainant of progress and result timely; and
  • Proper record-keeping and providing complaint information.

Appointing a person-in-charge to supervise the handling of complaints

B(1) A licensed PMC has to, for each property for which PMSs are provided by it, appoint a licensed PMP (“person-in-charge”) to supervise the handling of complaints and display the name, licence number and telephone number and/or email address of the person-in-charge in a prominent place in the property.

Acknowledging receipt of and recording complaints

C(1) Subject to paragraph E(3) of the Code, upon receipt of a complaint, the person-in-charge has to, as soon as reasonably practicable, arrange to assign a case number to the complaint, record its brief facts in the complaint register5, acknowledge receipt of the complaint and provide the case number to the complainant6.

C(2) The person-in-charge has to ensure that the following information is recorded in the complaint register: the name of the complainant (if provided); brief facts of the complaint and the date on which the complaint is recorded.

C(3) The person-in-charge has to check the complaint register regularly and rectify or arrange for rectification of any error found as soon as reasonably practicable.

Handling complaints promptly

D(1) Upon receipt of a complaint, a licensed PMC has to, as soon as reasonably practicable, carry out follow-up actions in accordance with the mechanism. However, a licensed PMC may not deal with an anonymous complaint7.

D(2) Subject to paragraph E(3) of the Code, if a licensed PMC is unable to handle the complaint (e.g. the person under complaint is not a staff member of the licensed PMC or the matter of complaint is outside the scope of the PMSs provided by the licensed PMC), the licensed PMC has to, with the consent of the complainant, refer the complaint to the relevant person or organization (e.g. management committee or owners’ committee) or advise the complainant to contact the relevant person or organization directly.

Notifying complainant of progress and result timely

E(1) Subject to paragraph E(3) of the Code, a licensed PMC has to timely notify the complainant the progress of follow-up action(s) taken.

E(2) Subject to paragraph E(3) of the Code, a licensed PMC has to, at the conclusion of follow-up action(s) taken, notify the complainant of the result, explain to the complainant the relevant follow-up action(s) taken (if any) and the reasons for reaching the conclusion (if applicable).

E(3) If the complainant is not a client or is an anonymous complainant, the licensed PMC is not required to contact or notify the complainant in accordance with the guidelines set out in paragraphs C(1), D(2), E(1) and E(2) of the Code. However, the licensed PMC still has to act in accordance with other guidelines of the Code.

Proper record-keeping and providing complaint information

F(1) A licensed PMC has to keep properly all relevant complaint information8 and documents for not less than 3 years commencing from the date of receipt of a complaint (no matter whether the complaint is established or not). A licensed PMC has to, upon written request (if any) by the owners’ organization, provide yearly statistical information on complaints (including the nature of complaints, the sub-total and total number of complaints) to the owners’ organisation.

Note

  1. The term “licensee” means the holder of the following licence: a PMC licence; a PMP (Tier 1) licence; a PMP (Tier 2) licence; a provisional PMP (Tier 1) licence; or a provisional PMP (Tier 2) licence.
  2. A licensed PMC is not required to follow the Code if it reasonably believes that a person has only made an enquiry or provided opinion or information, but has not made a complaint. A complaint may be lodged by a named or an anonymous person and such person includes a client, a user or a visitor of the relevant property. Complaints may be lodged through different ways, including complaint made verbally, by telephone, fax or email, etc. If a licensed PMC reasonably believes that the identity of a complainant cannot be ascertained through the information the complainant has provided, it may deal with the complaint as if it were an anonymous complaint.
  3. The term “client” has the same meaning as defined in section 16 of the PMSO, i.e. “in relation to a property for which a licensed PMC provides property management services, means— (a) the owners’ organization of the property; and (b) the owners of the property who pay or are liable to pay the management expenses in respect of the services”. According to such definition, a tenant is not a client.
  4. A licensed PMC may, after receipt of payment of a reasonable copying fee, provide a copy of the mechanism to a client.
  5. The complaint register may be in electronic form. Licensed PMCs may set up separate complaint registers for different parts of the property (e.g. residential area, club house, etc.).
  6. The guidelines on the requirement to contact a complainant apply to the situation where the complainant has provided contact information. If the complainant has not provided any contact information, the guidelines on contacting a complainant set out in paragraphs C(1), D(2), E(1) and E(2) of the Code do not apply.
  7. Although a licensed PMC may not deal with an anonymous complaint, it is still required to record such a complaint in the complaint register in accordance with paragraph C(1) of the Code.
  8. Relevant information includes records of verbal and telephone communication with the complainants.

Criteria for a specified academic qualification

Having an academic qualification specified by the Property Management Services Authority (PMSA) is one of the criteria for holding a property management practitioner licence.  In determining whether to specify an academic qualification, the PMSA will consider the following factors:

Level and credits under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework

In general, a degree or equivalent qualification must have a minimum of 150 QF Credits at QF Level 5 or above, while an associate degree, a diploma or an equivalent qualification, must have a minimum of 90 QF Credits at QF Level 4 or above.

Relevance to the property management profession

The PMSA uses the “Vocational Qualifications Pathway” (VQP) formulated by the Property Management Industry Training Advisory Committee as an assessment tool. In general, a learning program must cover at least four out of the seven functional areas and one of the areas covered must be “Law in Practice”. In addition, the units of competency covered by the program must be those formulated for the post of “property manager” (for a PMP (Tier1) licence) or “property officer” (for a PMP (Tier 2) licence) under the VQP. A functional area is not considered covered by the program unless the number of competency requirements under that functional area meets or exceeds that specified by the PMSA as follows:

Making an application

Organisations or educational institutions wishing to have their learning programs so specified may make an application (form in Chinese only) with the PMSA, regardless of whether the programs are designed in accordance with the units of competency required for the post of “property manager” (for a PMP (Tier 1) licence) or “property officer” (for a PMP (Tier 2) licence) under the VQP.

Note: For details of the functional areas and units of competency of the competency requirements for the positions of property managers and property officers, please refer to: https://www.hkqf.gov.hk/pm/en/vqp/pathways/index.html

ic-pmsa-line
General Code of Conduct

Code No.:C1/2020
Effective Date:7 August 2020

Preamble

The following code of conduct (Code) is issued by the Property Management Services Authority (PMSA) pursuant to section 5 of the Property Management Services Ordinance (PMSO) and contains practical guidance for the purposes of section 4 of the PMSO (disciplinary offence). Although a licensee does not incur a legal liability only because the licensee has contravened a provision of the Code, the Code is admissible in evidence in disciplinary hearings, and proof that a licensee contravened or did not contravene the relevant provision of the Code may be relied on as tending to establish or negate a matter that is in issue in the hearings.

Code

  1. A licensee must not commit misconduct or neglect in a professional respect.
  2. A licensee must provide services to the licensee’s clients with honesty, fidelity and integrity.
  3. A licensee must, to the best of the licensee’s knowledge, provide accurate and relevant information or advice to the licensee’s clients to facilitate them to make informed judgments and decisions.
  4. A licensee must establish proper procedures and systems to manage and supervise the property management services provided by the licensee.
  5. A licensee must, in the course of the licensee’s practice, act in an impartial and just manner towards the licensee’s clients and any other parties concerned.
  6. A licensee should avoid conflict of interests with the licensee’s clients. In the event of possible or potential conflict of interests (whether pecuniary or beneficial interest), a licensee must as soon as reasonably practicable disclose to the licensee’s clients in detail such interests.
  7. A licensee must not maliciously injure the reputation, nor publicly disparage the practice, of other property management services providers.
  8. A licensee must not do anything which may bring disrepute to the property management profession.
  9. A licensee must, in the course of the licensee’s practice, comply with the laws of Hong Kong.

 

Note

  1. The term “licensee” means the holder of a PMC licence; a PMP (Tier 1) licence; a PMP (Tier 2) licence; a provisional PMP (Tier 1) licence; or a provisional PMP (Tier 2) licence.
  2. The term “client” has the same meaning as defined in section 16 of the PMSO. Section 16 of the PMSO provides: “client (客戶), in relation to a property for which a licensed PMC provides property management services, means— (a) the owners’ organization of the property; and (b) the owners of the property who pay or are liable to pay the management expenses in respect of the services.”
  3. To determine whether a licensee has acted in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of the Code, the PMSA will consider the terms of the relevant contract entered into between the licensee and the licensee’s client in order to determine the scope of property management services to be provided and the duties to be carried out by the licensee.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.

According to the PMSO, the PMSA requires that a member of the PMSA must disclose to the PMSA any interest that the member has which is of a class or description determined by the PMSA.  The PMSO also provides that the PMSA is to establish and maintain a register relating to any such disclosed interests which it must make available for inspection through the Internet.

The purpose of maintaining and publishing a register of interests is not specified in the PMSO.  Nonetheless, the PMSA infers that the purpose is to enhance transparency and to ensure objectivity, fairness and public confidence in the decision-making of the PMSA.

The register of interests may contain personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.  By accessing the register for this Member, you acknowledge the above stated purposes of the register and undertake not to use the personal data for any other purposes.

To view the register for this Member, please click “Continue”.