What do the certifications mean?

Gold: The Authorised Persons have certified that the existing site meets all Fire Services Department (FSD) and Buildings Department (BD) requirements and should pass inspection with those authorities.

Silver: The site is not 100% compliant but the operator has presented a credible plan and is moving forward to renovate in such a manner that their site should be compliant once renovations are completed.

Bronze: Bronze is only for plans to build a self-storage site. The plans have been reviewed by AP that certifies that if the site is built out according to the certified plans, it should expect to pass inspections by the FSD and BD.

Who verifies the status of the operator to decide to confirm the award?

Knight Frank is a global real estate solutions firm and its relevant staff hold an Authorised Person status in Hong Kong.

Knight Frank will review all AP provided documents and, where applicable, conduct inspections before making a determination as to whether or not an award is merited.

Is the accreditation permanent?

No. The accreditation will require renewal depending on its level.

Gold - is renewable every three years.

Silver - must be renewed annually

Bronze - is a one-time certification that applies to the relevant documentation submitted. Once built, facilities would logically apply for Gold.

Regarding Application and Fees

If a branch covers several floors in one building, the application fee to Knight Frank would be counted as a single branch, which is $2000, correct?

Yes, if you are confident that the site will pass for Gold, then make it one application.

But if you think that only some floors will pass as Gold and your would prefer others to be assessed as Silver, then make two applications treating them as separate applications. This will be indicated on the certificate and the website listing.

When should we pay the application fee?

After the NDA is signed by all parties, KF will issue an invoice for the (non-refundable) application fee for $2,000HKD to be settled directly with KF. Once it is settled, KF will issue Checklist I for completion.

The application fee is the first of 3 invoices.

When should we settle the certification fee?  Upon the certifications were granted?

The certification fee is broken out into two parts.

The first invoice is for the $2,000 non-refundable application fee.

The second invoice is for HALF of the total fee (minus the $2,000 application fee). This invoice is issued AFTER KF has received your documents from Checklist I and II (see below), assuming you are providing AP documents.

The third and final invoice is issued when the Report (pass/fail) is issued. If the site passes, then the certification will be issued once the final invoice is paid to Knight Frank. 

If the site does not pass, remedial measures will be recommended. Once they are enacted and the site passes inspection, then final payment is due and the certificate can be issued once it is paid to Knight Frank.