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Investigation has shown that these statements are often well-founded,
especially in the poorer class tenement lodging houses where no responsible
caretaker or landlord is resident. To lighten the difficulties of the
owner in these cases, effort is made, as far as possible, to keep in view
such powers as a Local Authority has of holding the tenant responsible
for defects resulting from his neglect or default.
Action was necessary during the year in respect of two dwelling houses
found to be in a state so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit
for human habitation. The total number of dwelling houses inspected for
housing defects was 754, the number found not to be in all respects
reasonably fit for human habitation being 290. The number rendered
fit in consequence of informal action by the Sanitary Inspectors was
234, and the number in respect of which statutory notices were served
requiring defects to be remedied was 56. No case came to the knowledge
of the Department in the course of the year of an underground room being
illegally used for sleeping purposes.
No application under the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest
(Restrictions) Acts was made by an occupier of a dwelling house, that
the house occupied by him was not in a reasonable state of repair.
Unhealthy Areas.—One representation was made under the Housing
Act during the year. No complaints that areas were unhealthy have
been received.
Byelaws relating to Houses and Houses Let in Lodgings.—
Existing byelaws relating to houses are, on the whole, found to be fairly
satisfactory in their working.
Housing Survey.—House-to-house inspection was carried out during
the year, as provided by statute, 126 houses being inspected and recorded
by the Inspector.