Hong Kong tenancy guide
CR109: Filing and Deadlines
Check Hong Kong CR109 filing, the one-month period, late endorsement fee and records to retain. Distinguish AR2 and tenancy stamp duty.
Quick answer
For applicable Part IV residential tenancies, CR109 notifies the RVD of a new or renewed agreement. Submit within one month of making or renewing the agreement. AR2 concerns Part IVA regulated tenancies, while stamp duty is a separate procedure.
Use the agreement date
The RVD guidance requires filing within one month of entering into or renewing the applicable agreement. Do not substitute the move-in date or first rent payment. The published late fee is HK$310; without endorsement the landlord is not entitled to take legal action to recover rent under that agreement.
Prepare and follow up
- Identify the tenancy category and select the current official form.
- Compare party, property, rent and term details against the agreement.
- Complete the required declarations and signatures using the official instructions.
- Keep the submission confirmation and separately check the endorsed result; submission is not endorsement.
Three separate documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CR109 | Notification and endorsement for applicable Part IV residential agreements. |
| AR2 | The separate notification process for Part IVA regulated tenancies. |
| Stamp certificate | Evidence of stamping; not endorsement of every contractual term. |
Example with different dates
If an agreement is made on 15 October and the tenancy starts on 1 November, do not wait until November to start counting the filing period. This is a hypothetical example. Use the actual agreement and current official instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Does signing the tenancy submit CR109?
No. Keep the actual submission and endorsement records.
Does the old form cover a later renewal?
Do not assume so. Check the notification requirements for the renewed arrangement.
Does the tenant sign CR109?
The paper CR109 separates tenant particulars in Part D from the landlord’s declaration and signature in Part E. Entering the tenant’s details does not make the tenant the declarant for the landlord. Follow the current instructions for the signatory and any representative capacity; signing the tenancy is separate from filing and endorsement.
How should a late CR109 be handled?
Check Part IV applicability and the date the tenancy was made or renewed, submit the true details through RVD and retain payment, submission and endorsement records. RVD specifies a one-month filing period and a HK$310 late fee for the applicable CR109. Stamping is separate and does not replace its endorsement.
Sources and further reading
- RVD: residential tenancy, CR109 and regulated tenancy FAQs (Chinese)
- RVD: tenancy forms and electronic services (Chinese)
- IRD: tenancy stamp duty FAQs (Chinese)
- HKU CLIC: rent receipts and evidence of a tenancy (Chinese)
- RVD: current CR109 form and declaration (Chinese PDF)
General Hong Kong tenancy information. Check current official requirements and obtain advice for your circumstances.