Albert House owners will be granted an interest-free loan of $200,000, with a flexible repayment period varying from one year to life, to help them cover their civil liability arising from a fatal 1994 accident at the building.

A Housing Society panel endorsed all 82 applications. Panel chairman Professor Nelson Chow said today that after careful consideration, 21 applicants will be granted a loan offered for elderly owners, and repayment will only be necessary when the borrower passes away or the subject unit is transferred to another party.

Another 34 applicants were recommended for a compassionate loan. Of these, five were granted a five-year loan, 29 a three-year loan and 27 a one-year loan. Repayment will be due after the loan period.

Professor Chow said all applications have been handled reasonably and with great leniency. He said applicants have been notified by letter of the assessment result and can appeal by contacting the Southern District Office by April 11.