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properties satisfied the Qualifying Conditions. These are that the dwelling
is provided with all the standard amenities for the exclusive use of the
occupants, that it is in good repair, having regard to its age, character
and locality and that it is in all other respects fit for human habitation.
The applications can be divided into two groups:—
(a) Those in respect of dwellings which have all the standard
amenities.
(b) Those in respect of dwellings where one or more of the standard
amenities is lacking.
The standard amenities are a fixed bath or shower; hot and cold
water supply at a fixed bath or shower; a wash-hand basin; hot
and cold water supply at a wash-hand basin; a sink; hot and
cold water supply at a sink and a water closet.
On the applications received by 31st December, 1969 all were in
respect of dwellings having the standard amenities.
The landlord of a dwelling that lacks the standard amenities can
apply for an Improvement Grant or a Standard Grant and a Qualification
Certificate. In cases of this kind the Department of the Borough Architect
deals with the application in so far as the application for a grant is concerned,
the Qualification Certificate aspect being dealt with by the Health
Inspectors.
Every dwelling that is the subject of an application for a Qualification
Certificate is inspected and, to date, few have been found to meet all the
qualifying conditions, the principal shortcoming being disrepair.
Where defects are found which ought reasonably to be remedied, the
landlord is notified in accordance with the recommendations of Circular
66/69 of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and in all but
one or two cases the landlords receiving the notification of defects have
asked for a deferment in consideration of their applications until work
has been carried out to remedy the defects. At the end of the year a
considerable amount of work was in progress and it is questionable
whether there will be a sufficient number of builders, who will have staff
available, to carry out the repairs needed by the date when the increased
rents could take effect.
It is also doubtful whether the immediate rent increases (l/5th of
the difference between the controlled rent and the fair rent) will provide
the owner who lacks financial backing with the incentive to carry out
repair work to the standard necessary to make good the ravages of the
years during which, as a result of the cost of repair work, little has been
done.
In such cases the standard of repair work is likely to be palliative
rather than remedial. As in the case of work carried out to remedy defects
listed on Certificates of Disrepair, issued pursuant to the Housing Act.