National Security Responsibilities of Hong Kong’s Property Management Industry

April 15, 2026

Introduction

On 1 July 2015, the National Security Law of the People’s Republic of China was passed at the 15th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress, and 15 April each year is designated as the National Security Education Day.

Hong Kong’s property management industry, in alignment with the HKSAR Government’s efforts to enhance national security awareness, is committed to safeguarding national security and social stability under the principle of “National Security: It Concerns Us All.”

The Property Management Services Authority (PMSA) promotes the implementation of the “Overall National Security Outlook” by issuing guidelines and organizing training program to encourage practitioners to play an active role in estate management, security operations, and risk prevention.

National Security Responsibilities of the Property Management Industry

Property management companies and practitioners play an important role in their daily operations, including:

• Safeguarding the security of residential estates

• Identifying potential risks

• Cooperating with law enforcement authorities

Practical Guidance

The PMSA has issued guidelines to licensed property management companies on handling community disputes, such as water seepage issues,with a view to maintaining social stability.

Education and Publicity

The sector actively supports the promotion of nationalsecurity awareness, particularly in connection with “4·15”National Security Education Day, to enhance understandingamong practitioners and residents and to foster safe communities.

On National Security Education Day, property managementpractitioners typically use banners, educational seminars,promotional videos, and other means to help frontline staffunderstand their responsibilities in safeguarding nationalsovereignty, security, and development interests.

To strengthen national security awareness and compliancewithin the industry, the PMSA has, pursuant to the PropertyManagement Services Ordinance (Cap. 626), introducednew licensing conditions and amended the Code of Conduct for Licensees.

I. Introduction of New Licensing Conditions

With effect from 10 April 2026, all newly issued or renewed licences are subject to an additional condition requiring compliance with national security laws.

Applicable Persons

• Licensed property management companies and their related persons

• Licensed property management practitioners (Tier 1 and Tier 2)

Key Requirements

Licensees must not engage in or be involved in any conduct or activity related to their licence that:

1. Constitutes or results in an offence endangering national security;

2. In the reasonable opinion of the Authority, may constitute or result in an offence endangering national security; or

3. In the reasonable opinion of the Authority, is detrimental to national security or the public interest of Hong Kong.

II. Amendments to the Code of Conduct for Licensees (No. C1/2020)

The Code has been amended to expressly require licensees to comply with national security laws.

The relevant restrictions are consistent with the above licensing conditions and apply to:

• Licensees; and

• Where the licensee is a property management company, its related persons.

Conclusion

With effect from 10 April 2026, safeguarding national security has become an integral part of both licensing conditions and professional conduct requirements.

Property management practitioners must ensure that all activities related to their licences comply with applicable laws and must avoid any conduct that endangers or is detrimental to national security.