Landlord & Tenant
85 cases · January 1900 to July 2026
Overview
Landlord & Tenant appears in 85 reported Hong Kong judgments (1900–2026).
Disputes between landlords and tenants over leases, rent and possession of premises.
Landlord and tenant disputes in Hong Kong arise from the letting of residential, commercial and industrial premises. Common matters include claims for arrears of rent, applications for possession where a tenant has broken the terms of a tenancy, disputes about repairing obligations and the state of premises, arguments over the return of deposits, and questions of whether a tenancy has been validly created, renewed or terminated. Because land in Hong Kong is held on government leases and much of it is intensively sub-divided, disputes frequently involve licences, sub-tenancies and the interpretation of tenancy agreements.
These cases are heard across several forums. The District Court handles many possession and arrears claims, the Court of First Instance deals with higher-value or more complex tenancy disputes, and the Lands Tribunal has a specialised jurisdiction over building management and certain tenancy matters. Appeals proceed to the Court of Appeal and, exceptionally, to the Court of Final Appeal. Possession is often sought by summary process where the right to recover premises is clear.
Authorities in the recent record include [2025] HKDC 97 on possession and the enforcement of tenancy terms, [2025] HKCFI 2310 on the construction of leasing arrangements, and [2024] HKCFI 3178 and [2024] HKCFI 1099 on the obligations of the parties and the conditions for recovering premises. Together these decisions illustrate how the courts read tenancy agreements against the surrounding conduct of landlord and tenant.
Court Distribution
Across 5 courts.
Key Cases
Most-cited 60 of 85How many Landlord & Tenant cases are reported in Hong Kong courts?
85 reported Hong Kong judgments (1900–2026) involve Landlord & Tenant.
What disputes fall under landlord and tenant law in Hong Kong?
The area covers claims for rent arrears, applications for possession, disputes over repairing obligations and the condition of premises, arguments about deposits, and questions of whether a tenancy was validly created, renewed or ended. Both residential and commercial lettings are included.
Which court hears a claim to recover premises?
Many possession and arrears claims are brought in the District Court, while higher-value or more complex tenancy disputes go to the Court of First Instance. The Lands Tribunal has a specialised role in building management and some tenancy matters, and appeals lie to the Court of Appeal.
How is a tenancy agreement interpreted when the parties disagree?
The courts read the written tenancy against its commercial purpose and the conduct of the parties, giving effect to the express terms and any obligations implied by law. Where the right to possession is plain, a landlord may seek recovery through summary process rather than a full trial.