You may be aware of recent media reports on three students of another university who ran an unlicensed guesthouse were fined by the Government for contravening the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (Cap 349) of Hong Kong. At the same time, since they were non-local students, they were also each sentenced to 120 hours' community service at the Magistrates' Court after being found guilty of breaching their condition of stay.
According to the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance, a "hotel" and "guesthouse" mean any premises being held out in which sleeping accommodation is provided for any person who will pay a fee for a period of less than 28 continuous days. Any new establishments must apply for a license from the Government before commencing operation. Please note that it is a criminal offence to operate or manage an unlicensed guesthouse. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and an imprisonment of two years.
The University would also like to take this opportunity to remind all of you that subletting of a student accommodation of the University, whether it is at hall, non-hall or university rented off-campus housing, is a serious offence of the conditions for your housing arrangement at the University. You are also requested to observe all regulations of the student accommodation, which you have read and agreed to stick to during the residential period.
May I wish you all the best and an enjoyable life in the University in the coming years!