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64
of insanitary conditions, and to provide natural and artificial
lighting to common staircases.
(8) The tenant (person receiving rents) is required to remove
accumulations of soot from all chimneys once a year.
Items Nos. 2, 5 and 7 above-mentioned do not come into operation
until six months after the expiration of the Rent Restrictions Acts, 1920
and 1923.
It will he noted from the foregoing summary of the chief points that
the proposed by-laws deal with the properties in question in a more
comprehensive manner. It is desired that a uniform standard of
administration should be in operation for the whole of London, but until
the Rent Restrictions Acts have lapsed many of the most important
requirements which involve structural alterations will remain in abeyance.
The register kept under the present by-laws of the City Council shows
that at the end of the year 1925 there were 1,103 houses of this
description. In 1924 there were 1,120, and for the years 1921, 1922 and
1923 the numbers were 1,150, 1,150 and 1,144. The gradual diminution
in the number from year to year is largely accounted for by the fact that
in a district such as Soho a steadily proceeding transformation is in
progress—old dwelling-houses are being converted into business premises.
During the year 4,317 visits of inspection were paid to those houses.
Intimation notices were issued in 205 instances for sanitary defects,
and in 8 for overcrowding. Statutory notices were required in 20 cases.
No legal proceedings were necessary.
Restriction of Rents Acts.—Two certificates were granted on application
by tenants. The numbers granted since 1921 were : 1921, 4 ; 1922, 5 ;
1923,10; 1924,9.
The following table required by the Ministry of Health is set forth in
detail:—