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114
The Inspection of Houses where Qualification Certificates are applied for
During the year, Part III of the Housing Finance Act 1972 superseded
Part III of the Housing Act 1969.
Qualification Certificates have been the means of securing much needed
improvements in controlled lettings because of the qualifying conditions
namely the provision of all basic amenities, the dwelling to be in good repair
having regard to age, character and locality and not to be unfit by Section 4
Housing Act 1957.
Part IV Housing Finance Act 1972 which provides for 'general decontrol'
under a staged programme based on rateable values is viewed with some
trepidation because decontrol will take place whether or not the dwelling
satisfies all the above conditions. If it is agreed that every dwelling should have
the use of the full basic amenities for the exclusive use of the occupants of that
dwelling then ways and means will have to be devised to attain that end because
present mandatory powers are insufficient. As rent allowances are available in
the private sector for the first time it is a pity the progress being made under
the qualification certificate scheme could not have been retained.