Window Inspection Report (Form MWI1) Explained: Pass, Repairs and the Submission Process
After receiving a Buildings Department mandatory window inspection notice and arranging a Qualified Person to inspect, the most crucial step is actually the inspection report (Form MWI1) — it determines whether your windows "pass" and whether repairs are needed. Many owners know they must inspect, but are unclear on what the report says, who submits it, and the consequences of not submitting. This article breaks it all down.
What Is the Window Inspection Report (Form MWI1)? Who Is Responsible?
Form MWI1 is the statutory inspection report under the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme, recording a Qualified Person's findings on a unit's windows and submitted to the Buildings Department as an official record. It is not filled in by the owner, but signed off and submitted by a qualified professional.
The report records the condition of each window part item by item — including frames, sashes, hinges, handles and silicone rubber weatherseals. In other words, this report is the only official proof that you have "lawfully completed mandatory window inspection", so keep it safe.
A reminder: Amgen provides window inspection services only (for a unit's windows) and does not undertake building structural inspection.
Two Report Outcomes: Windows Safe vs Repairs Needed
After inspection, the report outcome mainly falls into two situations:
| Outcome | What it means | What the owner must do |
|---|---|---|
| Windows safe and secure | All parts in good condition, no safety issues | The Qualified Person signs and submits the report directly; the process is complete |
| Repairs needed | Issues found such as oxidised hinges, hardened/shrunken weatherseals, loose handles | A Registered Minor Works Contractor must complete repairs first; the Qualified Person re-checks before signing and submitting |
In other words, "repairs needed" is not a failure — it means the issues must be fixed first before the report can be truthfully submitted. Whether to repair, and the repair scope, should be judged by the Qualified Person based on actual condition, so you are not alarmed by an inflated repair list.
The Report Submission Process and Deadline
The full process is as follows:
On deadlines, the inspection and report submission must generally be completed within 6 months of the notice date. Note: if the unit is within an HOS court, Tenants Purchase Scheme estate or public housing, the relevant forms and declaration documents must be submitted to the Independent Checking Unit (ICU) under the Housing Bureau, rather than directly to the Buildings Department.
Consequences of Not Submitting or Delaying
Mandatory window inspection is a statutory requirement. If you fail to appoint a Qualified Person, complete the inspection and submit the report within the deadline, you may face legal liability: under the Buildings Ordinance, failing to comply with a mandatory window inspection notice carries a maximum fine of $25,000 and 3 months' imprisonment.
So do not delay after receiving a notice. Qualified Persons' schedules are tight during peak seasons, and the closer to the deadline the harder it is to arrange — appoint a trustworthy window inspection company early.
A Real-Life Scenario: A Kwun Tong Owner's Inspection Report Experience
Ms Wong, living in a private flat over 25 years old in Kwun Tong, appointed Amgen to inspect after receiving a mandatory window inspection notice. On site, the Qualified Person found two oxidised hinges and one section of hardened, shrunken silicone rubber weatherseal that required repair before the report could be truthfully submitted.
Amgen's Registered Contractor immediately replaced the oxidised hinges and failed weatherseals; after re-checking that the windows were safe, the Qualified Person signed and submitted Form MWI1 to the Buildings Department. Ms Wong did not have to handle any paperwork herself and completed everything before the deadline. This shows the point: whether the report can be submitted depends on whether the windows have been properly dealt with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the owner fill in the inspection report themselves?
No. Form MWI1 must be inspected, signed and submitted to the Buildings Department by a Qualified Person under the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme — owners cannot fill in and submit it themselves. Appointing a company that holds both Qualified Person and Registered Contractor status lets you complete inspection, repairs and report submission in one stop.
If the inspection finds repairs are needed, does that mean I failed?
No. "Repairs needed" only means certain parts (such as oxidised hinges or hardened weatherseals) must be dealt with first; once repaired and re-checked as safe, the report can be truthfully submitted, which equally counts as completing mandatory window inspection. The repair scope should be judged by the Qualified Person based on actual condition.
How long should I keep the report after submission?
Keep it long-term. Form MWI1 is your official proof of lawfully completing mandatory window inspection, and you may need to produce it for the owners' corporation, insurance, or a property sale or transfer in future. Amgen provides complete documentation records upon completion of works.
Conclusion: The Report Properly Submitted Is When Inspection Is Truly Done
The end point of mandatory window inspection is not "inspected", but the Qualified Person properly submitting Form MWI1 and the Buildings Department confirming receipt. Choosing a company that can inspect, repair and submit the report all in one lets you complete it with peace of mind.
For the full steps after receiving a notice, see Mandatory Window Inspection: 5 Essential Steps; for tips on choosing a company and avoiding scams, see How to Choose a Window Inspection Company. Amgen Aluminium Windows is a Registered Minor Works Contractor with the Buildings Department (MWC 316/2021) and also holds Qualified Person status, providing one-stop mandatory window inspection services. WhatsApp 6586 3435 for a free enquiry, or book a free on-site assessment.
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