Air-conditioner dripping?
How to complain to FEHD (and why email is best)

Air-conditioner dripping: who to contact

Sources: FamilyCLIC: Water dripping from air-conditioners, news.gov.hk (25 July 2025), 1823 contact details.

What FEHD does

1. 1

   Investigation and tracing the source

   Health inspectors investigate as soon as possible. FEHD uses an air-conditioner dripping investigation system with infrared night-vision recording that can detect drips up to about 120 metres away, roughly a 40-storey building. From summer 2026 it fully uses a third-generation AI system that detects dripping locations automatically.

2. 2

   Verbal warning or advisory letter

   Once the source is found, FEHD generally gives a verbal warning or an advisory letter first.

3. 3

   Nuisance notice

   If there is no improvement, FEHD issues a Nuisance Notice to the owner or occupier requiring the problem to be fixed within a set period, generally 3 or 14 days.

4. 4

   Prosecution

   Failing to comply with the notice can lead to prosecution, with a maximum fine of HK$25,000 plus HK$450 for each day the nuisance continues.

How to complain in 4 steps

1. 1

   Record the dripping

   Take photos or video of the dripping and the affected area, and note the date and time. Dripping often happens at night or early morning, so records from those hours are the most useful.

2. 2

   Work out the likely source

   Count roughly which floor it is and which unit from the left or right, and note the building name and street number.

3. 3

   Private estates: contact the management office first

   Notify the management office in writing, ask them to contact the unit concerned, and keep a record.

4. 4

   Complain to FEHD: email is recommended

   You can phone 1823, but it’s better to use the template below and email tellme@1823.gov.hk: you get a written record to rely on for follow-ups or repeat complaints, and you can attach photos and videos. Note your case reference number and keep following up if the dripping continues.

Replace the [ ] parts with your details, email it to 1823 (tellme@1823.gov.hk) and attach photos and videos.

Subject: Complaint about air-conditioner dripping ([Street name], [Building name], [Street number])

To the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (via 1823):

I am [Name], a resident of [Flat and floor], [Building name] / I regularly pass by [Location].

Since [Date], an air-conditioner on [Building name] ([side of the building, e.g. the side facing the street]) has been dripping water continuously onto [affected area, e.g. my window ledge / laundry area / the pavement / a bus stop].

Details:
1. Usual dripping time: [e.g. 10 pm to 2 am];
2. Suspected source: [e.g. around the 8th to 10th floor, the 2nd unit from the left];
3. Impact: [e.g. window ledge constantly wet, laundry stained, pedestrians dripped on].
(Photos and videos attached)

Please send staff to investigate the source of the dripping and take appropriate action. Please contact me if you need more information or would like to arrange a site visit.

[Name]
[Phone / email]
[Date]