A. Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale (SMOCS)

The “Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale” (SMOCS) was set up by the “Urban Renewal Authority” (URA).

But its operation is independent of the URA. It is only accountable to the “Dedicated Office of Support Services for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale” (SOSS) of the “Development Bureau” (DEVB).

At different stages of compulsory sale applications, the minority owners / tenants concerned can get various support services from the SMOCS, including professional advisory service (preliminary advisory services from volunteer lawyers and surveyors), assistance in mediation, referrals to legal and related professional services, emotional counselling, and assistance for searching alternative accomodation.

In collaboration with the designated NGO and local groups, the SMOCS will conduct outreach publicity and promotional services and organise public education talks, explaining property acquisitions and compulsory sale applications. The services and talks are all freely provided for the general public and minority owners of old buildings.

For more information, please visit the website of the SMOCS.

If you have any enquiries and feedback, please contact SMOCS:

• Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm & 2:00pm to 6:00pm
  (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)
• Address: Unit D, 6/F, 777-783 Yu Chau West Street, Kowloon [About 10-minute walk from exit B1 of Lai Chi Kok MTR station]
  (Please make an appointment before visiting the SMOCS.)
• Hotline: (852) 2156 8050
• Fax: (852) 2156 8055
• E-mail: inquiry@smocs.hk

B. Urban Renewal Social Service Teams

Regarding the URA redevelopment projects, minority owners affected by compulsory sale applications may seek assistance from urban renewal social service teams. The teams provide assistance and counseling services to minority owners owners affected by the redevelopment projects.

Residents may make enquiries to:

• St. James’ Settlement
• Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service
• The Salvation Army

C. Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA)

Elderly minority owners may seek assistance from the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA). The SCHSA has a team of social workers commissioned by the Development Bureau. It provides (1) telephone and online enquiry services, (2) community education, and (3) case consultation services to elderly owners.

Telephone and online enquiry services

The SCHSA provides information, including the application and procedure for compulsory sale, the rights of minority owners, the application and appeal procedure with the Lands Tribunal, reference prices of properties, and reserve prices of past compulsory sale cases.

For information, call 2345-5265 or visit the SCHSA website .

Community education

The SCHSA organizes talks, workshops and outreach programmes in elderly centers, as well as providing information leaflets on compulsory sale to the public.

Case consultation services

The SCHSA provides consultation services including:

1. 1. explaining to elderly owners the general practice of property acquisition and the process of compulsory sale under the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance ( Cap. 545 of the Laws of Hong Kong)
   2. accompanying elderly owners affected by compulsory sale to meet with relevant parties and attend court hearings
   3. free-of-charge checks for elderly owners to see whether their properties fall within the class of land lot under which the application threshold for compulsory sale applies;
   4. referral of elderly owners to other social services agencies if relocation is required;
   5. referral of elderly owners to professionals such as surveyors for advice and assistance; and
   6. referral of elderly owners to the Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale (SMOCS) for more professional support, such as assistance in mediation.