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48
HOUSING
HOUSING ACT, 1957
The provisions of the Housing Act, 1957. set out below, were invoked in
cases where it appeared that unfit dwellings could be more appropriately dealt
with thereunder. Action to secure the abatement of nuisances is taken under
the relevant sections of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936
Part II
(Provisions for securing the repair, maintenance
and sanitary condition of houses)
SECTION 3 (Duty of local authori ty to inspect district and keep records).
Premises to the number of 664 were inspected and recorded in accordance with
the Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925 and 1932 with a view to action being
taken under the appropriate legislation
SECTION 4 (Definition of Standard of Fitness), This section enacts that
in determining for any of the purposes of this Act whether a house is unfit
for human habitation, regard shall be had to its condition in respect of the
following matters, that is to say -
(a) repair;
(b) stability;
(c) freedom from damp;
(d) natural lighting;
(e) ventilation;
(f) water supply;
(g) drainage and sanitary conveniences;
(h) facilities for storage, preparation Mid cooking
of food and for the disposal of waste water;
and the house shall be deemed to be unfit for human habitation if and only
if it is so far defective in one or more of the said matters that it is not
reasonably suitable for occupation in that condition.
SECTION 8 (Information to be given to tenants) In twenty five instances
notices were sent to persons who failed to enter in their tenants' rent books
the name and address of the medical officer of health, and of the landlord or
other person responsible for keeping the houses in all respects reasonably fit
for human habitation
SECTION 9 (Power of local authori ty to require repair of unfit house).
Of the two notices served under this section, one was complied with by the
owner and in the second case it was necessary for the Council to carry out
the work in default,
SECTION 10 (Enforcement of notice requiring execution of works) In
pursuance of their powers under this section the Council executed in the
owner" s default the works necessary to render the house 102 Sandringham Road
fit for human habitation, at a cost of £218 2s lOd
SECTION 17 (Duty of local authority to make demolition or closing orders
or to purchase house where no undertaking is accepted) In pursuance
of the provisions of this section a closing order was made in respect of
224 Wick Road.
The house 33 Benyon Road the subject of a Demolition Order made in
April, 1957, was demolished