Tai Po fire: Administrator of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court seeks to extend deadline for homeowners’ meeting

The aftermath of the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court continues to be a source of frustration for residents, as highlighted by the property management's move to delay a crucial homeowners' meeting. Hop On Management has stated its intention to seek an extension to the statutory deadline for holding the meeting, citing the need for thorough verification of owner signatures and the logistical challenge of securing an appropriate venue.

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The administrator of the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court has said it will seek to extend the statutory deadline for holding a homeowners’ meeting, citing the need for more time to verify owners’ signatures and find a suitable venue.

This delay comes after a significant portion of homeowners, exceeding the 12% threshold with 247 handwritten signatures, formally requested a general meeting. The Building Management Ordinance mandates that such meetings be convened within 45 days of a requisition. Wednesday marked the deadline for issuing a notice, and it remains unclear if Hop On has formally applied for an extension.

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Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on December 3, 2025, one week after a deadly fire hit the housing estate.

Residents, speaking anonymously to HKFP, have voiced concerns about Hop On's perceived slowness and unprofessionalism. Questions have been raised about why the decision to delay and the signature verification procedures were not communicated more clearly during a recent Zoom briefing. The management company's plan to conduct searches at the Land Registry, compare signatures against property records, and require identity card verification indicates a rigorous, albeit time-consuming, approach to ensure the legitimacy of the meeting's attendees and proxy votes, a process complicated by past controversies.

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In a letter to Wang Fuk Court flat owners on Wednesday afternoon, Hop On Management confirmed that on April 29, the company had received a requisition for a general meeting from Wang Fuk Court homeowners.

The sheer scale of the required venue – capable of accommodating at least 1,000 people for a six-hour meeting – further complicates matters. This situation reflects the complex challenges of managing large residential estates, especially in the wake of a disaster, where clear communication, efficient administration, and resident trust are paramount. The Hong Kong Free Press report captures the tension between the management's procedural requirements and the residents' urgent desire for resolution and accountability.

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The petition collected 247 handwritten signatures – more than 12 per cent of households at Wang Fuk Court.