Following a devastating blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Hong Kong government is swiftly deploying comprehensive housing solutions, assuring affected residents that all emergency accommodation, including transitional housing, will be provided entirely rent-free for the duration of need. The Housing Bureau and the Housing Department (HD) confirmed on December 6, 2025, that they are expediting the placement of displaced individuals into various rental schemes to ensure stability and alleviate financial burden during recovery.
Immediate Relief and Dispelling Misinformation
In response to the tragic incident, the Housing Bureau and the HD have mobilized efforts to secure placements in several tiers of supportive housing. Options include transitional units managed by the Bureau, estates controlled by the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), and the Department’s own interim housing or transit centers.
A spokesperson for the Housing Bureau specifically addressed and refuted circulating media reports that suggested residents moved into transitional housing would face rental charges after a brief rent-free grace period. The Bureau categorically deemed these claims inaccurate, reiterating the government’s commitment to providing long-term support without reservation.
Full Rental Subsidy Ensures Stability
To address the urgency and vulnerability experienced by those displaced, the government has implemented special measures guaranteeing continuous accommodation support. Officials confirmed that residents relocating to transitional housing or other designated emergency programs will benefit from full rent waivers.
Crucially, this financial relief is not time-limited. Residents are assured they may remain in the supported accommodation for “as long as needed,” with the government absorbing all associated rental costs. This definitive assurance aims to allow affected families to focus solely on rebuilding their lives without the concurrent stress of securing long-term, non-subsidized housing or worrying about the tenure of their current emergency living arrangements.
The HD is concurrently fast-tracking the readiness of its own inventory of supportive residences, including transit centers and interim dwelling sites, to accommodate the immediate influx of applicants.
Available Rehousing Options and Contact Information
The coordinated effort between multiple government and semi-government entities ensures a variety of housing solutions tailored to different family needs and situations. These options range from immediate short-term shelter to dedicated, medium-term communal units.
Families and individuals impacted by the Wang Fuk Court fire are encouraged to contact the relevant support hotlines for detailed assistance regarding placement and registration:
- Transitional Housing (Housing Bureau): 3611 8482
- Dedicated Estate Flats, ‘T-Home’ Projects, and HKHS Rental Estates: 2839 1393
- HD Interim Housing and Transit Centers: 2658 4430
This unified response underscores the government’s priority of providing a secure foundation for recovery following a major domestic emergency, ensuring victims of the fire receive comprehensive, stability-focused support without the impending threat of rental costs.