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15—31, Birkbeck Road, N. W. 7.
Block of 2 storey terraced houses built 1892 the majority being let to two tenants, one on ground
floor and one on first floor. Most were without all standard amenities. The various owners were supplied
with details of the grants scheme but by the end of the year none had made an application for a grant.
1—28 Creswick Walk, N. W. 11.
This road was developed in 1911, the majority of the houses being built with baths in the sculleries,
none with lavatory basins, and sixteen with external waterclosets.
The survey showed that twenty now had all standard amenities. The tenants of the other eight
intimated that they did not wish to participate in the scheme.
Surveys are proceeding of properties in other roads in the Borough but the poorresults ofthe Department's
efforts makes one wonder whether the time spent is justified. The measure of compulsion
available to tenants under the Housing Bill at present before Parliament may, however, render continuance
of the work of trying to secure improvement of houses by persuasion of tenants and owners unnecessary.
UNFIT HOUSES MADE FIT AND HOUSES IN WHICH DEFECTS WERE REMEDIED
The following are the numbers of houses made fit or at which defects were remedied as a result of
action taken—
After informal action 406
After formal action under the
Public Health 90
or Housing Acts.
HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
HOUSING ACT, 1961
During the year inspections were carried out of 136 houses (comprising 335 lettings) let in multiple
occupation.
123 of these were in the Housing Areas scheduled for redevelopment. Negotiations have been commenced
for the acquisition of the majority of these by the Council and it is hoped that similar action will
not be long delayed regarding the remainder. Wherever possible the Department refrains from taking
action to enforce the provisions of the Housing Act, 1961 to bring these houses up to proper standard of
amenities and repair as this would only increase the cost to the Council when the time comes for their
ultimate acquisition and demolition to make way for the redevelopment. On the other hand, if they are
not purchased in the near future they will deteriorate and tend to become overcrowded and eventually
increase the problems of the Housing Officer. Moreover it is unfair that the tenants should be allowed
to continue to live in unsatisfactory housing conditions.
Of the 13 houses dealt with not in Housing Areas, six ceased to be used for multiple occupation as
a result of action taken. In some instances this was in conjunction with that taken by the Town Planning
Department. One house has now been properly converted to self contained flats, and appropriate steps are
being taken to bring the other six into compliance with the Act.
A considerable amount of work remains to be done to enforce the provisions of this Act in Hendon
and to improve the lot of those families who are compelled, by reason of the housing shortage, to live in
what can only be regarded as sub-standard accommodation despite the provision of additional amenities,
proper means of escape from fire and reduced overcrowding. Oddly enough, few complaints are received
from the families who are forced to live in these unsatisfactory conditions. Much more vociferous are the
complaints of owners of adjoining properties when a house is found to be let off in multiple occupation in
one of the more salubrious residential roads.
The work of dealing with these houses is at times very difficult and arduous, necessitating frequent
visits at night or week-ends to complete inspections, dealing with difficult and sometimes elusive landlords,
and placating tenants, who, whilst appreciative of the installation of baths, hot water supplies, additional
water closets, proper larders, etc., are nevertheless fearful of eviction to make way for the amenities or of
increased rents to help pay for them.
The work is, however, of utmost importance and must be speeded up.
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