Many landlords are most concerned not with the details of the provisions, but with a practical question: "Will my current rental method be included in the 'Simple Accommodation' regulation?"
The following integrates the government's latest documents (as of December 2025) to directly break it down for you.
Q1｜Is my current rental arrangement subject to regulation under the "Simple Room" scheme?
According to the Policy Address, the Simple Room system primarily targets "subdivided units in residential buildings."
🔍 Key Criteria: Whether it involves "subdivision" and "more than one tenancy agreement"
- ✔ Examples subject to regulation (requiring registration):
- A residential unit is subdivided into two or more rooms (including cubicles, capsule beds, lofts, etc.).
- Each tenant signs an individual tenancy agreement with the landlord.
- → Conclusion: Subject to government regulation and must comply with "Simple Room" standards.
- ✖ Generally not subject to regulation:
- The entire unit is rented out under a single tenancy agreement (e.g., leased by one family or a group of tenants).
- Only the original rooms are rented out, and the unit layout matches the approved building plans (i.e., no unauthorized construction or alterations).
- The unit has been taken back for self-occupation.
💡 Expert Interpretation: The government's focus is on the "subletting operation model." As long as the unit is internally divided into multiple independent rental entities, it falls under regulation.
Q2｜If my current rental method is not subject to regulation, can I completely ignore it?
Even if your unit currently does not need to be registered, as a property owner, you should still pay attention to the following defensive measures to avoid inadvertently breaking the law:
- Maintain the "one lease" principle: Ensure that the lease covers the entire unit to avoid being redefined as subletting in the future due to rental disputes.
- Prevent tenant "sub-landlord" behavior: The lease must include clear terms strictly prohibiting tenants from subletting or sharing the unit without authorization. If tenants privately sublet, the owner may be held responsible for related building or fire safety issues.
- Conduct regular inspections: Monitor the actual occupancy and layout usage of the unit.
Q3 | What must I do before March 1, 2026, if I am currently under regulated rental arrangements?
According to the Housing Bureau planning, the first year of the system implementation will include a registration period, expected to last 12 months.
Three things landlords must prepare:
- Confirm registration eligibility: Only subdivided rental units that existed before the law takes effect (i.e., before March 1, 2026) are eligible to apply for registration.
- Organize supporting documents: Prepare copies of existing leases (preferably stamped), rates bills, and photos showing the unit's condition to prove the rental business was operating before the law takes effect.
- Hire professionals early: The Housing Bureau recommends landlords hire building professionals (e.g., surveyors) in advance to check if the unit meets the "simple room" standards, such as 8 square meters, 2.3-meter ceiling height, and fire safety/ventilation requirements, to plan renovation works.
Q4｜What are the practical consequences if I do not handle or handle incorrectly?
- After March 1, 2027, if you still engage in non-compliant subdivided unit rentals, it will involve legal risks
- The related lease agreements may also be unable to continue due to non-compliance, leading to financial and liability issues
Q5｜What should be noted when signing a lease currently?
- Avoid signing excessively long fixed-term leases: If you sign a fixed-term lease exceeding 2 years now (2025), the lease period may extend into the enforcement period.
- Include a "compliance clause": It is recommended to add a clause in the lease stating that "if the unit requires renovation work due to government legal requirements, the landlord has the right to terminate the lease early or enter the unit for construction" to protect the rights of both parties.
Q6｜Do I still need to register if I plan to exit subdivided unit rental?
- ✅ Certain about exiting on schedule: If you are certain that before March 1, 2027 (when the registration period ends), you have arranged for tenants to move out and restored the unit (or converted it to a single lease), you may choose not to register.
- ⚠️ Uncertain: If the lease is not yet completed or modifications will take time, it is strongly recommended to register first. After registration, you will enjoy a "grace period" (expected to be 12-24 months), which serves as your "buffer zone," giving you sufficient time to legally handle tenant eviction or renovation matters, avoiding the risk of immediate non-compliance.