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no doubt that most of the houses were built as single-family residences,
but few are now occupied entirely by one family. Many of the large
houses in the squares and main roads have been converted into flats and
single rooms, let to the professional and semi-professional classes. But
the large majority of the houses in this area are now tenement
houses and occupied almost entirely by members of the working classes.
The houses generally are substantially built, with a fair amount of
light and air above the basement, and many have large rooms. Two or
more water-closets are provided in most of them, usually one outside
and the others inside. Water supply and washing accommodation are,
in almost all cases, in the basement, but nearly all have taps and sinks in
the upper parts. Cooking is provided for by coal ranges or gas cookers,
but the provision for the storage of food is generally inadequate. Few
baths are provided.
There are many separately occupied basement dwellings, and dampness
in the basements prevails in varying degrees. A number of the
basements are dark, and although the large majority cannot be considered
to be illegal, they are unsuitable for separate occupation as dwellings.
Overcrowding.
Pimlico is an intensively occupied area, and though there is considerable
overcrowding, both illegal and social, it is a matter for wonder that
it is not of more serious extent considering the urgent demand by those
outside the district for accommodation so easily accessible to the west end
of London. It is difficult to prevent overcrowding as vacancies occur so
seldom. As soon as it is known that rooms are to be vacated many
applications are made for them, with the result that rents increase and
profiteering takes place. When families increase in number, or the children
grow up, accommodation often ceases to be adequate, and it is most
difficult, even when the extra rent can be afforded, to find the additional
accommodation in the locality.
There have been known to the Department during the past two or
three years 99 cases of illegal overcrowding and 274 of social overcrowding.
Houses let in tenements.
Tenement houses number 2,728, with approximately 9,660 tenements,
and are estimated to house 28,153 persons. Many of these houses are
registrable under the bye-laws, and 289 have already been compiled.
Rents vary considerably, from 6s. to as much as 20s. per room unfurnished
; furnished rooms are let at from 10s. to 30s. a room.
Owing to the close concentration of families in these houses many
notices have to be served with regard to cleansing and verminous