Meeting Between HKAPMC and HKFSD on Amendments to the Fire Service Ordinance
Following the completion of the public consultation on the Fire Service Ordinance (Cap. 95) amendments, HKAPMC was invited to meet with the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) on 7 September 2026. Led by President Mr. Kevin Chu, Past President Dr. Johnnie CHAN, Vice President Ms. Eva Wong, Honorary Treasurer Mr. Bevis Leung, and several Council Members, our delegation engaged in discussions regarding the “Introduction of the Responsible Person System” and actively conveyed the industry’s practical concerns.
Key Focus: Definition and Impact of the “Responsible Person” System
The amended ordinance will explicitly introduce the “Responsible Person for Fire Service Installations” system, covering two main categories:
1 .Owners or occupiers of the premises (i.e., landlords or tenants); and
2. Persons with management or control over the fire service installations (i.e., appointed Property Management Companies).
Property Management Companies (PMCs) will be explicitly included in the legal chain of responsibility for the first time, sharing legal liability with property owners.
Recognizing the profound impact on daily operations, we raised several specific practical concerns:
· Shortage of registered contractors and potential increases in management costs
· Issues surrounding “reasonable excuse” and “management liability”
· Potential conflicts with the Building Management Ordinance (Cap. 344) regarding major maintenance and large-value procurement requirements
· Execution challenges and liability allocation in buildings without an Owners’ Corporation (OC), among others
Implementation Timeline & Next Steps
The new legislation is expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2027. The FSD will draft a “Code of Good Practice” and consult the industry to clarify the definitions of “emergency situations” and “reasonable excuse,” contingency measures during system shutdowns, and communication mechanisms during waiting periods.
We will continue to closely monitor the progress of the legislative amendments, maintain close dialogue with the FSD, and actively advocate for the property management industry.
Thanks to the FSD for arranging this exchange!
