SCAIFFEE LTD v. CHOW HET CHUEN AND OTHERS

SCAIFFEE LTD v. CHOW HET CHUEN AND OTHERS

The Tribunal decided that s53A(4)(a) prescribes minimum compensation by reference to rateable value and length of occupation only; but where compensation must be 'reasonable in all circumstances' it must compensate the tenant for actual loss — the value of the tenant's expected future use of the protected tenancy plus disturbance — and not be confined to a rateable‑value multiple or past/sentimental enjoyment.

Citation
SCAIFFEE LTD v. CHOW HET CHUEN AND OTHERS
Parties
Applicant: SCAIFFEE LTD; Respondent (r.13): Barbara C. Woon; Respondent (r.14): Hung Pak; Respondent (r.14(1) Sub‑tenant): Fung Kan; Respondent (r.15): Kung Hong Koon
Court
Lands Tribunal
Jurisdiction
Hong Kong
Judgment Date
23 July 1983
Case Number
LDLA18/1983
Procedural Posture
Landlord and Tenant — Possession for Redevelopment Under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant (consolidation) Ordinance (cap. 7) / Victoria Lands Tribunal Award Determining Compensation and Payment Terms
Outcome
Tribunal awarded compensatory sums to respondents reflecting tenant's interest (value of expected future use) plus disturbance; possession order to be implemented subject to payment schedule; no order as to costs.
Legal Topics
Section 53 a Compensation, Measure of Tenant's Loss, Protected Tenancy Valuation, Disturbance Compensation, Apportionment to Sub‑tenants
Source Language
EN
Landlord and Tenant Law Property Law Compulsory Acquisition/compensation Section 53 a Compensation Measure of Tenant's Loss Protected Tenancy Valuation Disturbance Compensation Apportionment to Sub‑tenants

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Parties

SCAIFFEE LTD

Applicant

Barbara C. Woon

Respondent (r.13)

Hung Pak

Respondent (r.14)

Fung Kan

Respondent (r.14(1) Sub‑tenant)

Kung Hong Koon

Respondent (r.15)

Procedural Posture

Landlord and Tenant — Possession for Redevelopment Under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant (consolidation) Ordinance (cap. 7) / Victoria Lands Tribunal Award Determining Compensation and Payment Terms

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether compensation under s53A(2) and s53A(4)(a) must follow the prescribed rateable‑value formula for more than minimum compensation
  2. 2 Proper measure of compensation — prescribed minimum or full measure of tenant's actual loss
  3. 3 Whether past occupation or sentimental value is compensable

Ratio Decidendi

The Tribunal decided that s53A(4)(a) prescribes minimum compensation by reference to rateable value and length of occupation only; but where compensation must be 'reasonable in all circumstances' it must compensate the tenant for actual loss — the value of the tenant's expected future use of the protected tenancy plus disturbance — and not be confined to a rateable‑value multiple or past/sentimental enjoyment.

Court Disposition

Tribunal awarded compensatory sums to respondents reflecting tenant's interest (value of expected future use) plus disturbance; possession order to be implemented subject to payment schedule; no order as to costs.

Orders

  • Award to Barbara C. Woon (R13) $166,000 HKD
  • Award to Hung Pak (R14 principal) $111,600 HKD