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45
Defective Dwellings.—Repairs.—With regard to houses
found not to be in a reasonable state of repair, the following
procedure, classified under three headings, is generally adopted :—
(1) Complaints from or on behalf of the occupier.—The District
Sanitary Inspector makes inspection and an intimation is sent to the
owner specifiying the defect and nature of nuisance found. Where
necessary, the circumstances are reported to the Public Health
Committee for authority to serve a Statutory Notice to enforce
abatement of the nuisance. The premises are re-inspected by the
Sanitary Inspector, and, if work required is not executed within a
reasonable period, Statutory Notice is served. In cases of noncompliance
the Town Clerk is instructed to institute proceedings.
(2) Sanitary defects due to depreciation of property.—Nowadays,
depreciation of property can usually be traced to the owners'
inability to carry out repairs during the war period. A Notice is
served on the owner by the Sanitary Inspector for the defects to be
remedied. Expenditure to the extent of £1,000 is allowed per
house or unit but over and above this amount a licence is required.
(3) Housing defects.—These are cases where the conditions are
such that they cannot be remedied under the procedure of the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936, and are dealt with under the
Housing Act, 1936, as being houses unfit for human habitation.
Representations are made to the Public Health Committee to
consider as to whether such houses can be repaired at a reasonable
cost having regard to the value of the premises, or whether Closing
and Demolition Orders should be made.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—The L.C.C. Bye-laws made under
Section 6 of the Housing Act, 1936, define a house let in lodgings
as one which is occupied or is of a type suitable for occupation by
persons of the working classes and let in lodgings or occupied by
members of more than one family. These dwellings are subject
to registration and must comply with certain requirements as to
sanitation, cleanliness, etc.
The number of houses on the Register at the end of the year
was 8 ; these have been visited by the Lady Sanitary Inspector
on 25 occasions.
Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Acts, 1920/39.
—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