Building neglect has been a long-standing problem in Hong Kong. The presence of ageing buildings which lack proper care and maintenance poses potential threats to residents and the public at large.
To tackle the neglect problems, full implementation of the MWIS as well as the MBIS commenced on 30 June 2012.
Selection of Target Buildings
Target buildings are selected each year for implementation of MWIS.
A selection panel comprising representatives from Buildings Department, professional institutions, relevant non-government organisations, property management professionals and District Councils is established to render advice to the BD for the selection of target buildings for MWIS.
A risk-based approach is adopted, taking into account the factors below in selection of target buildings:
- Record of reports on the fallen window
- Condition of the windows
- Building clusters
Higher priority may be given to those buildings with windows in a generally defective or dilapidated state, posing relatively higher potential risk to the public.
Time Frame
Next MWIS Inspection
Building age is calculated according to the date of the occupation permit issued by the Building Authority (BA).
After a notice (the preceding notice) has been complied with, a fresh notice in respect of the same window must not be served under the MWIS before the expiry of 5 years after the date of the preceding notice.
Legislation & Enforcement
MWIS was introduced with the enactment of relevant amendments to the Buildings Ordinance through the Buildings (Amendment) Ordinance 2011 in June 2011 and the subsidiary legislation including the Building (Inspection and Repair) Regulation in December 2011.
Legal Liabilities
- For Owners / Owners' Corporations, please refer to Legal Liabilities of Owners / Owners' Corporations.
- For Qualified Persons and Registered Contractors, please refer to Legal Liabilities of Service Providers.