Storekeepers in Hong Kong pay steeper rents than merchants anywhere else in the world, according to a survey published today.

Should Emel prevail, it can find a new tenant at a steeper rent.

The most obvious is the steep rent in many areas.

Because they are either jobless or doing menial work, they could not afford to pay the increasingly steep rents demanded on the open housing market.

They've been paying very steep rents in the city and money has been flying out the door for them.

The galleries fled and all that clung to St. Marks Place were the steep rents.

Some retailers are being hurt by steep rents, while others are expanding.

Tenants were worried about steep rent increases that could force many to move, so they sued.

One Bronx real-estate executive noted that a club like Happy Land could earn its steep monthly rent on a weekend night.

And steep rents in a newly fashionable residential neighborhood are putting the squeeze on the tiny Flower District near Chelsea.