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think, however, that it is necessary that these baits
should be laid regularly, but that it should be left to the
Borough Engineer to have them laid when and where it
is convenient during the daily examination of the sewers."
36. Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions)
Act, 1920. This Act came into operation on 2nd July, 1920.
It provides that at any time not being less than three months
after the date of any increase permitted by this Act, the tenant
may apply to the County Court for an order suspending such
increase on the grounds that the house is not in all respects
reasonably fit for human habitation or is not in a reasonable
state of repair. After the payment of increased rent as provided
by this Act, a tenant may apply to the Sanitary Authority
for a certificate, paying a fee of one shilling. Subject to
the certificate being granted, the tenant is able to use it in
accordance with the Act for the purpose of obtaining a suspension
of the amount of increase in the rent. The sanitary
authority however may issue a report when the circumstances
do not justify a certificate. In cases in which a certificate
is recommended by the Medical Officer of Health, an order
for the issue is made by the Borough Council and the certificate
is issued on the application of the tenant. When a certificate
is not recommended the Medical Officer of Health issues
a report. Nine applications were made for certificates during
the year. In each case the owner was advised that a certificate
had been applied for and notices were served on him
for the abatement of the nuisances existing at the house.
As a result only one certificate was granted, a report being
issued in the case of the other applications.