View report page

167
on summary conviction to be ordered to quit the dwelling-house
within such time as may be specified in the order.
(5) Unless the dwelling-house has been made unfit for habitation
by the wilful act or default of the tenant or of any person for
whom as between himself and the owner or landlord he is
responsible, the local authority may make to every such tenant
such reasonable allowance on account of his expense in removing
as may be determined by the local authority with the consent of
the owner of the dwelling-house, or, if the owner of the dwellinghouse
fails to consent to the sum determined by the local
authority, as may be fixed by a court of summary jurisdiction,
and the amount of the said allowance shall be recoverable by the
local authority from the owner of the dwelling-house as a civil
debt in manner provided by the Summary Jurisdiction Acts.
(6) The local authority shall determine any closing order made
by them if they are satisfied that the dwelling-house, in respect
of which the order has been made, has been rendered fit for human
habitation.
If, on the application of any owner of a dwelling-house, the
local authority refuse to determine a closing order, the owner may
appeal to the Local Government Board by giving notice of appeal
to the Board within fourteen days after the application is refused.
Underground Room.
(7) A room habitually used as a sleeping place, the surface of
the floor of which is more than three feet below the surface of the
part of the street adjoining or nearest to the room, shall for the
purposes of this section be deemed to be a dwelling-house so
dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation,
if the room either—
(a) is not on an average at least seven feet in height
from floor to ceiling; or
(b) does not comply with such regulations as the local
authority with the consent of the Local Government Board
may prescribe for securing the proper ventilation and
lighting of such rooms, and the protection thereof against
dampness, effluvia, or exhalation: provided that if the local
authority, after being required to do so by the Local