Why do I have to pay Government rent?

Every land lease contains a covenant that the lessee is required to pay Government rent for the continued occupation and use of the land. Failure to pay the Government rent is a breach of the lease and puts the land at risk of being re-entered by the Government as the landlord. To avoid the risk of your land being re-entered, purchasers should check that such rent has been paid up to date or apportioned between the vendor and purchaser on completion. Notification on change of ownership should also be made to the Government Rent and Premium Unit of the Lands Department.