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HOUSING ACT, 1936.
During the year the Council declared Hendon Park Row, Temple Fortune, as a
Clearance Area, 25 houses being involved. The tenants were rehoused and the site
acquired by the Council for housing purposes.
The houses have now been demolished.
HOUSING REPAIRS AND RENTS ACT, 1954,
This Act came into force on 30th August, 1954. One of the provisions enables
landlords to increase the rent in certain cases. Provision was made, however, that
where such increases were applied, the tenant had the right to apply to the Local
Authority for a Certificate of Disrepair where the house failed to fulfil the conditions
justifying an increase in rent., that is to say
(i) that the dwellinghouse is in good repair; and
(ii) that it is reasonably suitable for occupation
having regard to certain conditions.
Up to the 31st December, 1954, 35 applications were received and the Local
Authority issued 14 Certificates of Disrepair. At the end of the year none of these
Certificates had been revoked
The number of Certificates applied for during this period was not so great as
anticipated and it would appear that either the landlords are not availing themselves
of the permitted .increase in rent or that the tenants are satisfied with the conditions
under which they are living.
Should the first assumption be correct then it would appear that the intention
of the Act to enable landlords to meet the increased cost of repairs and to improve
the standard of housing is not being achieved.
Cinemas and Places of Entertainment and Licensed Houses.
During the year these premises have been inspected by the Sanitary Inspectors
and detailed reports submitted to the respective licensing authority.
Smoke Abatement.
Number of observations made during the year 193
In this connection advice was given where necessary.
40