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The EOC Launches the“Good Tenants Come in All Colours” MTR Advertising Campaign to Promote Racial Equality in Tenancy

06/05/2021

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (6 May 2021) announced the launch of an MTR advertising campaign entitled “Good Tenants Come in All Colours” to promote racial equality in tenancy that will run for 12 weeks. During this time, three MTR trains carrying advertisements next to saloon windows with messages encouraging landlords and estate agents to be welcoming to tenants of all races will run on the Island Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line.

In its interactions with racial minority communities, the EOC has found that the issue of discrimination while renting a residential unit is frequently brought up. In in-depth interviews as part of a study commissioned by the EOC in 2016, ethnic minority respondents reported that seeking of premises was one of the major difficulties they faced. The study found that discrimination in relation to tenancy and banking services was the most critical and intolerable as these have a direct impact on their daily lives.

The Race Discrimination Ordinance prohibits discrimination against a person on the ground of their race in the disposal or management of premises. Landlords and estate agents are bound by the ordinance.

In order to influence landlords and real estate agents to be more inclusive in their dealings with people from the non-Chinese communities, the EOC has worked with the Estate Agents Authority in training and communication to their members. This advertising campaign is a further step to engage the public with a positive message of inclusion and equality.

EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin said, “Housing is basic need and one that plays an important role in determining the well-being of an individual and their family. No one should be denied their right to get the housing of their choice simply due to their race. We encourage landlords to open their minds and welcome diverse tenants. This is key to making Hong Kong society harmonious and inclusive.”

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Equal Opportunities Commission
6 May 2021


Photo caption: Two versions of the EOC’s advertisement next to saloon windows featuring a landlord, a non-Chinese prospective tenant and an estate agent, under the caption “Good tenants come in all colours”.

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