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landlord's expenditure test is that over 12 out of 14 months before the
notice, work of repair has cost not less than three times the statutory
repairs deduction. The Act applies to unfurnished houses of rateable
value of not more than £100 in the Metropolitan Police district and £75
elsewhere, which were let before September 1st, 1939.
The landlord is required to notify on a set form his intention to
increase the rent. The tenant can apply to the local authority for a
certificate of disrepair where the landlord has claimed a repairs increase
to rent and the tenant feels that the house is not in a sufficiently good
condition to justify it. The authority may charge the tenant one shilling
for the certificate. If it is granted the tenant can recover the shilling
from the landlord.
The Housing Repairs (Increase of Rent) Regulations set out the
forms to be used in connection with the rent increases. A repairs increase
of rent can only be charged after statutory notice has been given
by the landlord. If the premises are occupied at least six weeks' notice
of the increase must be given to the tenant; and within 28 days after the
service of the notice of increase, the tenant may challenge the landlord's
declaration by applying to the County Court to determine whether the
work of repair carried out is of the value required by the Act to entitle
the landlord to a rent increase.
The certificate of disrepair may relate to defects of repair or to
defects as to suitability for occupation. Defects of repair might relate
to:—(1) External structure, (2) internal structure, (3) external decoration,
(4) internal decoration, (5) fixtures and fittings, (6) other defects of
repair.
Defects as to suitability for occupation might relate to:—(1) Instability,
(2) condition as to damp, (3) natural lighting, (4) ventilation,
(5) water supply, (6) drainage and sanitary conveniences, (7) facilities
for storage, preparation and cooking of food, and for the disposal of
waste water.
Improvement and Conversion Grants. Under the Housing Act,
1949, money grants could be made to the owners to modernise their
houses by improvement or conversion. Little use was made of these
powers. The conditions of grants have now been revised by the Housing
Repairs and Rents Act. Any house which needs modernising is eligible
for a grant if, when the work is done, it will provide a satisfactory dwelling
for at least fifteen years. The standard is that when improved or converted
it must
(1) be in a good state of repair and substantially free from damp;
(2) have each room properly lighted and ventilated;
(3) have an adequate supply of wholesome water laid on inside the
dwelling;
(4) be provided with efficient and adequate means of supplying hot
water for domestic purposes;
(5) have an internal or otherwise readily accessible water closet;
(6) have a fixed bath (or shower) preferably in a separate room;