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system enabling the rents of private dwellings, which were subject
to control, to be increased provided the dwellings met certain
standards with regard to repair, amenity and fitness.
If satisfied that these conditions are met the Local Authority
on application by the owner may issue a Qualification Certificate
which entitles him to apply to the Rent Officer for a Certificate of
Fair Rent.
The qualifying conditions are:—
(a) that all the standard amenities are provided for the
exclusive use of the occupants of the dwelling;
(b) that the dwelling is in good repair having regard to its
age, character and locality and disregarding internal
decorative repair; and
(c) that the dwelling is in all other respects fit for human
habitation.
The standard amenities referred to are:—
(a) a fixed bath or shower which must be in a bathroom;
(b) a wash-hand basin;
(c) a sink;
(d) a water closet which must be in, and accessible from
within the dwelling; and
(e) a hot and cold water supply at the fixed bath or shower,
the wash-hand basin and the sink.
The procedures, following the receipt of an application for
Qualification Certificate by an owner who feels that his house
satisfies these conditions, are laid down and are quite complex.
Each application may involve several inspections of the property,
a great deal of correspondence and other negotiations with landlords.
Considerable time is often expended by the staff in explaining
to owners and tenants the procedures and legal rights involved.
During 1969, 224 applications were received and by the end
of 1970 this total had risen to 819. 322 Certificates had been
issued, and 142 refused, the remainder were awaiting the completion
of items of repair before being given further consideration.
In 134 instances works of repair and renovation were