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48
Houses Let in Lodgings.—Sections 11 and 12 of the Housing
Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, have superseded legislation covering
the Council's powers in connection with houses in multiple occupation
previously contained in Sections 6 to 8 of the Housing Act,
1936, and Section 155 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
Under these Sections of the new Act, general powers have now
been given to the Council to securc the provision of the following :—
1. Natural Lighting
2. Ventilation
3. Water Supply
4. Drainage and Sanitary Conveniences
5. Facilities for storage, preparation and cooking of food
and for the disposal of waste water.
6. Prevention of Overcrowding of sleeping rooms.
Deficiencies in the 1954 Act concerning artificial lighting of
common staircases and the periodical cleansing and redecoration
of parts of buildings in common use were taken up by the Metropolitan
Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee with the London
County Council.
The omission regarding artificial lighting to common staircases
was rectified by Section 63 of the L.C.C. (General Powers)
Act, 1956, which enables the Borough Councils to make byelaws
with respect to tenement houses and flats.
Further consultations between the two bodies are contemplated
with a view to securing similar action relating to periodical cleansing
and redecoration.
The number of houses on the Register at the end of the year
was 5 ; these have been visited by the Public Health Inspector on
17 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
suspend the payment of increased rent until the necessary works
shall have been completed to the satisfaction of the Sanitary
Authority.
Landlords may als apply to the Sanitary Authority for a report
to the effect that necessary works have been executed to the satisfaction
of the Council.