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The matter was raised during the discussion, to which I have
already referred, with the Minister of Housing and Local Government,
who thought that, although our high standard was to be
applauded, there was some doubt as to whether it was enforceable.
Bearing in mind that the limits may be varied subsequently, " notwithstanding
the existence of any previous direction .. . laying down
a higher maximum," amended standards were agreed upon, which
are as follows:—
1. Natural and artificial light—to be reasonably adequate for
occupation, i.e., not capable of closure, etc. Any room
which could be subject to a Closing Order to be given
" zero " limit.
2. Ventilation—as for natural and artificial light above.
3. Water supply—to be readily available to each letting and on
same floor as letting.
4. Personal washing facilities—family units to have some
facility within letting. Baths—one fixed bath or shower to
10 persons irrespective of age. The absence of hot water
and/or bathroom will not automatically give " zero " limit,
but will call for limit of 1 per room (over 70 sq. ft.).
5. Drainage and sanitary conveniences—minimum standard to
be one water-closet to eight persons.
6. Storage, preparation and cooking of food—separate cooking
facility for each family unit required.
7. Space heating—to be disregarded in relation to limits.
Since the manner of letting is always within the control of the
owner and may be varied frequently, it has been found necessary to
calculate the limits in five ways in order to provide a reasonably
effective control of the occupation :—
1. For each separate room in the house.
2. For each multiple room letting as existing—on the basis of
occupation by separate individuals.
3. For each multiple room letting as existing—on the basis of
occupation by a family unit.
4. Overall limits for shared water-closets or bathrooms—where
applicable. .
5. Overall limit for the house as a whole.
RENT ACT, 1957.—Below is a table showing details of the
applications during 1963 for certificates of disrepair under this Act
together with the action taken thereon.
Applications for certificates of disrepair—
No. of applications for certificates 7 (1)
No. of decisions not to issue certificates 1 (—)
No. of decisions to issue certificates—
(a) in respect of some but not all defects 6 (—)
(b) in respect of all defects — (1)
No. of undertakings given by landlords under paragraph
5 of the First Schedule 1 (—)
No. of undertakings refused by Council under proviso
to paragraph 5 of the First Schedule — (—)