Hong Kong Tenant Loses HK$6,000 Deposit Over Paint Color Dispute at Move-Out
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A Hong Kong tenant renting a Sha Tin flat was forced to accept a HK$6,000 deduction from his deposit after the landlord claimed touch-up paint did not match the original wall color. The tenant had spent over three years in the 650+ sq ft unit and repaired wall holes from a TV mount before vacating. The landlord initially demanded HK$20,000 for full repainting, but the unit was relisted just three days later without any actual work being done. A lawyer has advised tenants to photograph unit conditions at check-in to protect their deposit rights.
Key Points
- Mr. Li rented a 650+ sq ft mid-floor flat in Sha Tin from March 2023 for over HK$8,000 monthly, paying "two months deposit plus one month advance" totaling HK$36,000
- He obtained verbal permission to drill two screw holes for a TV wall mount, with the landlord agreeing only to fill the holes at move-out
- Before vacating on August 26, Mr. Li filled the holes and touched up paint with pearl white paint, but the landlord demanded HK$20,000 for complete repainting
- After the landlord's wife obtained a quote of HK$12,000 for full repainting, the husband then demanded HK$5,200 for wall cracks, yet only HK$6,000 was ultimately deducted
- Mr. Li discovered the unit was relisted three days later with the TV wall still unpainted, suggesting the deduction may have been unjustified
Why It Matters
This case highlights the vulnerability of tenants in Hong Kong's rental market, where deposit disputes can arise from subjective standards rather than actual damage. Under the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance, tenants are typically not liable for natural wear and aging, yet without clear documentation, they face significant challenges in proving their case. Legal experts recommend photographing unit conditions at both check-in and move-out, and including explicit restoration terms in tenancy agreements to prevent such disputes .
This case highlights the vulnerability of tenants in Hong Kong's rental market, where deposit disputes can arise from subjective standards rather than actual damage. Under the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance, tenants are typically not liable for natural wear and aging, yet without clear documentation, they face significant challenges in proving their case. Legal experts recommend photographing unit conditions at both check-in and move-out, and including explicit restoration terms in tenancy agreements to prevent such disputes .