Form BHU-01: Step-by-Step
Application Guide
Form BHU-01 is the official Housing Bureau application for BHU certification — The owner is the applicant (s.17(1)(a)), but the accompanying certification report must be made by a specified professional (s.17(1)(c)(ii)). This guide covers what's required, what causes rejections, and what landlords actually need to do. Submission timing should also allow enough buffer against the BHU compliance timeline.
- Who files it: A specified professional — not the landlord directly
- Who signs it: Both the Specified Professional and the property owner must co-sign
- Review time: 8–16 weeks for complete applications (each RFI adds 4–8 weeks)
Source: Housing Bureau BHU Certification Scheme · Basic Housing Units Ordinance (Cap. 658)
What Is Form BHU-01 and Who Prepares It?
Form BHU-01 (the BHU Certification Application Form) is the official document landlords use to apply for BHU certification from the Housing Bureau. Unlike most government forms, it cannot be completed by the property owner — it must be prepared by a Specified Professional:
- Registered architect — listed on the register under the Architects Registration Ordinance (Cap. 408)
- Registered professional engineer — listed on the register under the Engineers Registration Ordinance (Cap. 409), in the building, building services, civil, fire or structural discipline
- Registered professional surveyor — listed on the register under the Surveyors Registration Ordinance (Cap. 417), in the building surveying division
Schedule 3 lists only these three statutory categories. The colloquial term "Authorized Person (AP)" is a registration category under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) — not the same qualification as a Schedule 3 specified professional, although in practice most professionals qualify under both.
According to the Housing Bureau certification scheme, the Specified Professional is legally responsible for the technical accuracy of all information submitted. The property owner co-signs the form to confirm they authorise the application.
⚠️ Common Misunderstanding
"I downloaded BHU-01 from the Housing Bureau website — can't I just fill it in myself?" No. The Housing Bureau will not process an application submitted without a Specified Professional's signature. Attempting to self-submit only wastes time without advancing the application.
Required Attachments: Miss One, Get Rejected
The BHU-01 form itself is only the cover page. The supporting documents are what the Housing Bureau actually reviews. According to the Housing Bureau's technical guidelines, the following must accompany the form:
Unit Floor Plan
Shows the layout of each BHU: partition wall positions, door and window openings, bathroom and kitchen/cooking area locations, with dimensions matching on-site measurements.
Floor Area and Ceiling Height Measurement Records
On-site measurement records confirming internal floor area (minimum 8 sq m) and clear ceiling height (minimum 2.3m at the lowest ceiling point; minimum 2.0m beneath any beam), signed by the Specified Professional.
Ventilation Compliance Statement
For naturally ventilated units: window opening area as a ratio of floor area (minimum 1/10). For mechanically ventilated units: full system specifications showing air change rates (habitable rooms ≥ 3 ACH, bathrooms ≥ 5 ACH). This is the attachment most commonly missing or incorrectly formatted.
Fire Safety Compliance Statement
Confirmation that each unit has a standalone smoke detector installed. Where fire doors have been fitted as part of renovation works, completion photographs and installation records should be included.
Owner's Letter of Authorisation
The owner's signed authorisation appointing the Specified Professional. The format must follow Housing Bureau requirements — use the specified professional's standard template to avoid format rejections. The owner's name must match the Land Registry record exactly.
⚠️ Real Case
One application was rejected because the mechanical ventilation compliance document listed only the equipment model number without showing the air change rate calculation. The Housing Bureau requested a complete calculation worksheet, delaying the review by 6 weeks. A document pre-check by the specified professional before submission would have caught this.
5 Most Common BHU-01 Rejection Reasons
Based on Owl Square Group's BHU certification applications, these are the five most frequent causes of rejection or requests for additional information:
Ventilation calculation documents missing or incorrectly formatted
The most common rejection trigger. Mechanical ventilation units require a full calculation showing the system specifications, airflow volume (CMH), unit volume and resulting air change rate per hour.
Discrepancy between floor plan and on-site measurements
Floor plan dimensions that don't match the measurement records — or plans that reflect an older layout rather than the current state — make it impossible for reviewers to verify compliance.
Errors in the owner's authorisation letter
Missing signature date, owner's name not matching the Land Registry record, or the scope of authorisation not clearly stated. These are easily avoidable with a proper template.
Fire safety documentation without photographic evidence
Stating that fire doors or smoke detectors are installed without providing completion photos or installation records. Visual evidence is expected as part of the submission.
Incorrect property information
The property address, floor, unit number or BHU identification code doesn't match the Land Registry record. Even minor inconsistencies — "Unit A" vs "Unit 1" — can trigger a rejection.
From Appointing a Specified Professional to Receiving the Certificate
Understanding where BHU-01 sits in the overall certification process helps landlords plan realistically:
Appoint a Specified Professional
Sign the letter of authorisation. Confirm whether the specified professional's fee includes BHU-01 preparation, submission and handling of any RFIs.
Time: 1–2 weeks
On-site assessment and document preparation
The specified professional measures floor area, ceiling height, ventilation and checks fire safety. If renovation is needed, assessment report is issued with recommendations.
Time: 2–4 weeks (excluding renovation works)
Owner co-signs Form BHU-01
Once the specified professional prepares the complete application, the owner reviews the details and co-signs. Cross-border owners can sign remotely and send scanned copies.
Time: 1–3 business days
Specified professional submits application; Housing Bureau reviews
The specified professional submits the complete package to the Housing Bureau. The Housing Bureau reviews technical compliance and may issue RFIs requesting additional information.
Time: 8–16 weeks (depending on completeness)
BHU Certificate issued
Once approved, the Housing Bureau issues the BHU certificate. The unit may be legally rented out as a BHU immediately.
Certificate validity: 60 months (renewal required before expiry)
⚠️ Impact of the 2026–2027 Application Surge
The 8–16 week review estimate assumes a normal application volume. As the February 2027 registration deadline approaches, application volumes are expected to rise sharply and processing times may extend beyond 16 weeks. Landlords should submit as early as possible — ideally by late 2026 — rather than waiting until the final months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who fills out Form BHU-01? Can a landlord submit it directly?
Form BHU-01 must be completed and signed by a specified professional — a registered architect, a registered professional engineer (building, building services, civil, fire or structural discipline), or a registered professional surveyor (building surveying) — and co-signed by the property owner. According to the Housing Bureau, applications without a Specified Professional's signature will not be accepted.
What documents must be attached to Form BHU-01?
Required attachments include: a unit floor plan with dimensions; on-site measurement records for floor area (minimum 8 sq m) and ceiling height (minimum 2.3m at the lowest ceiling point, 2.0m beneath any beam); ventilation compliance documentation (window-to-floor ratio for natural ventilation, or mechanical ventilation system specifications with air change rate calculations); fire safety compliance statement; and the owner's signed letter of authorisation. Specific requirements follow the Housing Bureau's latest guidelines.
What are the most common BHU-01 rejection reasons?
Based on Owl Square Group's application experience: (1) ventilation calculation documents incomplete or incorrectly formatted; (2) floor plan dimensions inconsistent with on-site measurements; (3) errors in the owner's authorisation letter; (4) fire safety statements lacking photographic evidence; (5) property information not matching the Land Registry. Each rejection adds approximately 4–8 weeks to the timeline.
What does the owner personally need to do for a BHU-01 application?
Owners must personally: sign the letter of authorisation; review and approve the renovation plan from the assessment report; and co-sign Form BHU-01. All other work — document preparation, on-site measurement, renovation supervision and Housing Bureau liaison — can be delegated to the professional team. Owners do not need to be physically present, making this practical for cross-border and busy landlords.
How long after submitting BHU-01 will the certificate be received?
According to the Housing Bureau, review typically takes 8–16 weeks for complete applications. Each request for additional information adds approximately 4–8 weeks. Applications with no rejections are processed faster. Given the expected surge in applications ahead of the 2027 deadline, landlords should submit well in advance to avoid extended waiting times.