Mandatory Window Inspection Guide

Ms. Zhuang has lived in a private housing estate in Tsuen Wan for 15 years. Last week, she received a "Mandatory Window Inspection Notice" from the Buildings Department, requiring Ms. Zhuang to hire a qualified person (QP) to complete the window safety inspection; if repairs are needed, the completion form must be submitted within 6 months. Ms. Zhuang realized that she could not delay and immediately began to deal with it. Below is a share of the process and precautions for mandatory window inspection.

1｜Window Inspection Scheme at a Glance

• Applicable Buildings: Building age ≥ 10 years (excluding independent houses with less than 3 floors)
• Legal Timeframe:
  • Hire a Qualified Person (QP) to complete the window safety inspection
  • Submit the inspection report and completion report
  • Scope: All external windows, kitchen exhaust windows, balcony doors and windows need to be inspected

2｜Inspection and Maintenance Process

• Appoint qualified personnel
• Common items requiring repair: cracked glass, loose window hinges, rusted screws
• Repair and Supervision

3 ｜Legal Penalties

The Buildings Department also reminds that: failing to comply with the notice without reasonable excuse, according to the Buildings Ordinance section 40 (1BD), may lead to prosecution, with a maximum penalty of Level 4 fine HK$25,000, imprisonment for 3 months, and an additional fine of HK$2,000 for each day the offence continues.

4｜Common Misconceptions

• Looking for the lowest price QP → Subsequent maintenance costs may be higher
• Completed the repair but forgot to submit the inspection report and completion report → Still considered a violation, may be fined
• Hiring unlicensed workers → Not accepted by the Buildings Department, may need to redo

Remember to inquire whether a window inspection notice has been received before buying a property, to avoid the situation of "cleaning up the mess".