​A tenant of a piece of land under short-term tenancy was convicted and fined $77,750 in total, of which $42,750 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts yesterday (April 9) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).  

     The case involved an unauthorised metal-framed structure with an area of about 120 square metres on a piece of land under short term tenancy at Stanley Main Beach, Southern District. As the unauthorised building work (UBW) was carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the tenant under section 24(1) of the BO. 

     Failing to comply with the removal order, the tenant was prosecuted by the BD three times and was fined a cumulative total of $106,980 upon convictions by the court. As the tenant persisted in not complying with the removal order, he was prosecuted for the fourth time.

     A spokesman for the BD said today (April 10), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."

     Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Ends/Friday, April 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00

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