| Support | Oppose |
| Protect residents’ lives: Many old buildings have ageing fire facilities, and escape routes, alarms, hose reels and smoke doors may not meet modern standards. In a fire, elderly residents and people with mobility difficulties face higher risks. Stronger laws can push owners and managers to address problems early and reduce tragedies. | Increase the burden on small owners: Many owners of old flats are elderly, grassroots families or people relying on rental income. If fire safety works are expensive, they may struggle to pay. Even if the policy is reasonable, without subsidies or instalment arrangements it may create heavy financial pressure on vulnerable owners. |
| Clarify responsibilities: Fire safety problems in old buildings are often delayed because of fragmented ownership, unclear management or owners shifting responsibility. If the law clearly defines the duties of owners, corporations, managers and contractors, grey areas can be reduced, making accountability and enforcement easier. | May raise management fees: If property managers bear greater legal duties, they may need more staff, inspections, records and professional advice, with costs passed to residents. For lower-income households, higher management fees directly increase living pressure and may create conflict between residents and managers. |
| Improve enforcement: Some fire improvement orders may remain unfinished because procedures are complex, owners do not cooperate or penalties are too weak. Stronger duties and penalties can create incentives for compliance. When the cost of non-compliance is higher than delay, owners and managers are more likely to act. | Difficult to implement: Ownership in old buildings is complex. Some buildings lack owners’ corporations, while others have poorly functioning ones. Even with stronger laws, holding meetings, approving works, tendering and collecting payments may remain slow. Without addressing these administrative barriers, legal requirements may be hard to implement. |
| Reduce the cost of major accidents: Fire safety works require money, but casualties from a major fire bring higher costs in healthcare, compensation, temporary housing, rebuilding and public anxiety. From a public policy perspective, prevention is more effective than response. Stronger fire safety can reduce major incidents and save resources in the long run. | Excessive penalties may backfire: If duties and penalties are too heavy, managers, consultants or contractors may avoid old-building projects because of liability risks. High-risk buildings may then find it harder to secure service providers, delaying improvement works. The law must avoid discouraging market participation. |
| Improve living quality in old districts: Fire safety is not only about disaster prevention but also building management. Regular inspections and upgrades can improve common areas, corridor storage problems and escape routes. This helps raise living standards in old districts and supports urban renewal and community safety. | Legislation alone is insufficient: Fire safety in old buildings involves funding, technical works, resident coordination and interdepartmental support. If the public authorities only increases legal duties without subsidies, professional help, standard contracts and simpler procedures, low-income residents may suffer most. Support and enforcement should go together. |
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