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The internal condition of owner/occupied dwellings inspected showed a similar pattern
of maintenance; some 99% falling within the good and fair classification.
Regarding the private sector, the terms of most tenancies are such that the tenant is
responsible, or assumes responsibility, for the internal decorative state of the dwelling and
this coupled with the natural desire to live in decent surroundings accounts for the relatively
high percentage of dwelling units (97.3%) in the good and fair categories.
A degree of reservation must be made in relation to the dwelling condition analysis
because of the exceptionally dry weather before and during the survey period, this undoubtedly
accounted for lack of tangible evidence of dampness in many instances.
178 premises were referred to the Borough Architect for consideration of means of
escape from fire and fire-proofing in accordance with Section 60 of the Housing Act, 1969 and
Section 16 of the 1961 Act.
7. AVAILABILITY OF STANDARD AMENITIES
The survey sought to obtain information as to the extent to which the standard amenities
are provided in the area. These amenities are facilities which are considered essential in a
dwelling house in order to rank for improvement grant and/or for reassessment of rent in the
case of controlled tenancies. Of the 1,269 dwelling units fully inspected 312 were found to
possess the full standard amenities and to be in a reasonable standard of repair having regard
to their age, character and locality.
The extent and natureof the deficiencies occurring in the remaining 957 dwellings may
be summarised thus; absence of - bath 633 (66.1%), wash hand basin 719 (75.1%), sink 2 (0.2%),
internal W.C. 808 (84.4%), hot and cold water supplies 758 (79.2%). In many of these dwellings
there is some provision for hot water supplies but not at the three points - fixed bath or shower,
wash hand basin and sink as required under the Act.
A further breakdown of these figures was made to ascertain the number of potential
applications for 'Qualification Certificates' which could arise if, in fact, owners w;re to take
advantage of the new rent provisions under Part III of the Act.
In considering the extent of the work which may devolve on the local authority in this
connection, it was found that of the 448 controlled tenancies within the survey area only 25
premises comply with the standard of amenities and repair. The remaining 423 are deficient in
bath 383 (90.5%), wash hand basin 408 (96.4%), sink I (0.2%), internal W.C. 394 (93.1%) and
hot and cold water supplies 413 (97.6%).
8. EXPECTED LIFE OF DWELLINGS
In assessing the expected life of dwellings due regard was paid to the structural
condition of the property assuming that the existing standard of maintenance would be continued
and to the general condition of any buildings to which it is physically attached.
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On this basis the position is as follows:-