The Taipei City government has passed a new regulation which subsidizes old apartments to add elevators through urban renewal projects. Those who live in buildings that are fewer than 7 stories high can apply to the city government for this benefit without reaching a unanimous agreement among all residents. The new policy is expected to go into effect in March.

Upon hearing the city government's new regulation, Mr. Tseng said that it is a gift from heaven.

He is now living in an apartment located in a quiet and beautiful neighborhood with green trees surrounding the area.

But the stairway of the apartment is narrow, and it's quite tiring for him to move up and down climbing the stairs.

In order to help residents like Mr. Tseng, the Taipei City government has agreed to allow old apartments to add elevators through urban renewal projects.

Up till now, two apartments have received approval from the city government.

According to the current building management regulations, it takes a unanimous agreement among all residents to add new elevators to apartments fewer than five stories and residents have to cover all the costs of building the elevator.

However, with the new urban renewal project regulation, elevators can be added to apartments fewer than seven stories, and it doesn't require consent from all residents.

Once the residents have initial consensus on building the elevator, the city government will help to negotiate with those who have not yet agreed.

Most importantly, the city government will subsidizes up to 75% of the building costs.

However, if the elevator construction case is applied as an urban renewal case, it will take longer to pass the city government's evaluation.

And some real estate agents remain doubtful on the effect of the new regulation because not every old apartment is suitable for new-added elevators.