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58
It is assumed that no additional one and two roomed houses
will be required because the overcrowding of these houses will
be relieved by the families removing to the larger dwellings.
Underground Rooms.—In the Report of last year an opinion
was expressed that Underground Rooms should be prohibited, not
only for sleeping purposes but for living purposes as well. In
the new 1935 Housing Act this idea is incorporated and underground
rooms are now illegal for any purpose "not approved by the local
Authority." There are approximately some 500 "basement"
rooms in the Borough but only a comparatively few are of the
worst type. It is however very desirable that all underground
rooms should be dealt with and this will be done as and when
alternative accommodation becomes available.
During the year 218 residents of Greenwich made application
to the County Council for Housing accommodation. 25 of the
applications were made on the grounds that they were living in
underground or basement rooms. Such cases are referred to this
department for investigation, and to ascertain if the rooms are
really "underground rooms" within the meaning of the Act. The
information so obtained is forwarded to the County Council and
dealt with accordingly.
Closing Orders were made in two instances as regards basement
rooms used for sleeping purposes, viz. : 11, South Street, Greenwich,
and 210, Church Street, Deptford.
Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, 1920-35.—Under
the provisions of these Acts landlords are permitted to make
certain increases of rent and tenants whose houses are not in all
respects reasonably fit for human habitation may apply to the
Sanitary Authority for a Certificate to this effect enabling them to
suspend payment of the increased rent until the necessary works
shall have been completed to the satisfaction of the Sanitary
Authority.
Only two such applications were received during the year and
certificates were granted in both cases.
In accordance with Sec. 5 (2) of the 1923 Act, landlords may
may apply to the Sanitary Authority for a Report when the necessary
works have been completed. In all two applications were
received and duly granted.