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44
(b) Several applicants were referred to the Rents Tribunal
under The Furnished Houses (Rent control) Act 1946,
and the Landlord and Tenant (Rent control) Act 1949, with
good results.
(c) Two enquirers were introduced to the Poor Man's
Lawyer.
D (13) The Rent Act 1957.
This Act received Royal Assent on 6th June, and came
into operation on 6th July, 1957, the legislation proving to
be just as confusing as the obsolete statute which the new
Act sought to amend.
Amongst other enactments, the 1957 Act provides thai
tenancies of £40 rateable value or under within the Metropolitan
Police Area remain controlled, whilst those of over
£40 are de-controlled. In the latter category are the following
types of property: —
1. Houses completed after 30th August, 1954.
2. Houses with rateable value of over £40 in Metropolitan
Police District on 7th November, 1956.
3. Owner-occupied houses which become subject to a
tenancy after 6th July, 1957.
4. Houses, irrespective of rateable value factor, subject
to a new tenancy after 6th July, 1957.
For houses remaining within control, rent increases
generally, are permitted to a limit equivalent to twice gross
value, and to effect the carrying out of repairs pursuant to
rent increase, a complicated procedure exists whereby the
tenant can obtain a certificate of disrepair from the Local
Authority.
With a view to publicising the essential provisions of
the Act, various leaflets were exhibited, and handbills were
at the disposal of enquirers. In addition, an evening bureau
was opened at the Town Hall, so that the necessary information
could be obtained.
By the end of the year, 32 applications had been
received for certificates of disrepair, in connection with which
6 were granted.