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There is a notable increase of tubercular and consumptive
maladies in the tenant house population of large cities, and the
low form of vitality engendered in people who do not enjoy
fresh air, leads to the abuse of stimulants and tobacco. This
condition of physical, mental and moral decline is so well
recognized in America, that it has acquired a name, less elegant
than expressive, of "tenant house rot."
By measures such as I now advocate, these evils can be
averted. It is for Local Boards to see that the time has now
arrived for prudent and judicious action. The homes of the
people cannot continue in their present disgraceful state, and
people perish at high death rates, without trying effectual means
to prevent them. It is a question whether rich citizens are to
have in their midst a thriving and industrious population, living
in indecent homes, or take the consequences of a sickly and semipauperised
race, flocking from rural districts, to be supported by
high rates, or trusting largely to the charitable doles of clergy
and lady visitors of a wealthy Parish.
REGULATIONS proposed to apply to houses or parts of houses let
out in single rooms, or where several families live in one house, or where
no resident landlord or agent is responsible for Sanitary regulations of
the dwellings so let out.
It is asked that the Sanitary authority shall have power, if they deem
it expedient, to keep a register of any house, or part of a house, let out
in single rooms to one family, or rooms in houses containing more than
one family, where there is no resident and responsible landlord. The
landlord or his agent shall be responsible for executing the following
orders:—
1.—The cleansing and lime washing of rooms, stairs, walls, ceilings,
area, yard or basement, at least twice a year.
2.—For providing a proper receptacle for dust, garbage, or refuse matters,
and the removal at least once a week.
3.—For maintaining a proper water supply and receptacle, to the
satisfaction of the Vestry.
4.—For keeping the w.c. and drains in proper order, such as regards
traps, pans, water supply, and efficient accommodation (if in
common) one for less than 20 persons.
5.—For the letting of rooms, where the cubic space for each adult
individual shall be not less than 300 cubic feet in the sleeping
room, or 350 feet if used for sleeping and living room. Two
children under 10 years of age to be counted as one adult.
The number of persons that each room will legally accommodate to
be fixed by the Vestry Authority.
6.—To give notice, in the event of any infectious disease, to the Sanitary
Department of the Vestry, and take measures for isolation or
removal.
7.—For the ventilation of room or rooms in such a manner as may be
deemed satisfactory to the Medical Officer of Health.
8.—The Inspectors to enter at all reasonable times; and the owner or
agent to visit and inspect at least weekly.
g. — For a breach or default in carrying out the above Regulations, a
penalty of 40s. shall be incurred.