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MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
Although multiple occupation continues to increase in the Borough, the exact extent is not
known. An extensive survey would be necessary to ascertain the complete situation although it
is not considered that the type of multiple occupation taking place in the Borough is in any way
as serious as in adjacent Boroughs. As reported previously control has been exercised by the use
of direction order procedure. Regular supervision is undertaken of houses on which there are
direction orders. When contraventions are discovered action is taken to reduce the number
dwelling in the house, but complete control is impossible because of the general shortage of
single family accommodation in the area.
It is disturbing to find in connection with new house and flat development that there is often
immediate letting to several single people after completion when the units were specifically
designed for single family occupation.
The only control appears to be by use of the direction order procedure of the Housing Act.
During the year 36 new cases of multiple occupation were discovered.
47 notices of "Intentions to serve directions" and 50 directions were served.
In addition 34 notices of intention and direction were re-served as a result of changes brought
about by the Housing Act, 1969.
Satisfactory means of escape in case of fire were required in 8 cases.
Fifteen prosecutions were taken for the contravention of Directions and convictions were
obtained in each case.
Common Lodging Houses
There is no common lodging house in the Borough at the present time.
CERTIFICATE OF DISREPAIR—RENT ACT, 1957
It was noted in last year's annual report that as landlords of controlled dwelling houses
obtained fair rent certificates, there will be a reduction in the number of tenants who will avail
themselves of the powers in the above Act to obtain certificates of disrepair. In fact, no applications
for these certificates have been received, neither was any other action necessary under the Rent
Act, 1957 to revoke any existing certificates. In future if a tenant who has agreed to a fair rent
subsequently becomes dissatisfied with the state of disrepair of a dwellinghouse and the defects
cannot be remedied by any action from this department, he may apply to the Rent Officer for a
rent adjustment.
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