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The improvement of houses in multiple occupation is difficult due to
lack of space for installing amenities.
Repair and Maintenance
The Housing Act 1969 which came into effect on the 25th July, 1969,
makes provision for a local authority to serve notices requiring the carrying out
of repairs, and empowering the authority to carry out the works in default and
recover the cost.
By formal and informal action repairs and proper standards of Management
were secured in 129 houses.
Control of Multiple Occupation
161 Directions were given by the Council, requiring regular reinspection
to ensure compliance. Staff were increasingly obstructed whilst trying to carry
out inspections and Warrants of Entry had to be obtained from the Court of
Petty Sessions. It was necessary to force an entry into four houses.
Means of Escape in case of fire
An ever increasing problem is the risk of fire in houses in multiple
occupation. The lack of permanently secured appliances for space heating
leads to the use of portable oil heaters. These are generally badly maintained
and sited, and, with the congestion of furniture usually present in small rooms,
a serious fire hazard results.
203 notices were served requiring the provision of satisfactory means of
escape; in 59 houses the Council carried out the work in default and in 15 cases
formal or informal action resulted in the owners complying.
5,414 visits were made to houses in multiple occupation.