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on rents and the high cost of repairs, its interpretation is far from easy. The matters to be taken into
consideration in assessing fitness for human habitation have, in the past, been capable of varying interpretations,
but Section 9 of the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, states, " In determining 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;
(/) water supply;
(g) drainage and sanitary conveniences; and
(h) facilities for storage, preparation and cooking of food and for the disposal of waste water;
and the house shall be deemed to be unfit as aforesaid 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." Thus for
the first time a definite standard has been laid down to replace the general guidance contained in the
Housing Act, 1936.
The action taken on insanitary and unfit dwelling houses during the year is summarised in the
following return which has been submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government: —
1. Inspection of Dwelling-houses During the Year :
(1) (a) Total number of dwelling-houses inspected for housing defects. (Under
Public Health and Housing Acts) 356
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 387
(2) (a) Number of dwelling-houses (included under sub-head (1) above) which
were inspected and recorded under Housing Regulations, 1925 and 1932 36
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 45
(3) (a) Number of dwelling-houses found to be in a state so dangerous or
injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation Nil
(4) Number of dwelling-houses (exclusive of those referred to under the preceding
sub-head) found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation 286
2. Remedy of Defects During the Year Without Service of Formal Notices :
Number of defective dwelling-houses rendered fit in consequence of informal
action by the Local Authority or their Officers 281
3. Action under Statutory Powers During the Year:
(a) Proceedings under sections 9, 10 and 16 of the Housing Act, 1936:
(1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices were served
requiring repairs 31
(2) Number of dwelling-houses which were rendered fit after service of
formal notices :
(a) by Owners 25
(b) by Local Authority in default of owners 2
(b) Proceedings under Public Health Acts:
(1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices were served
requiring defects to be remedied 3
(2) Number of dwelling-houses in which defects were remedied after service
of formal notices :
(a) by Owners 4
(b) by Local Authority in default of owners 1
(c) Proceedings under sections 11 and 13 of the Housing Act, 1936:
(1) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which Demolition Orders
were made 3
(2) Number of dwelling-houses demolished in pursuance of Demolition
Orders 22
(3) Number of dwelling-houses rendered fit in consequence of Undertakings
given by Owner 7
(4) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which undertakings from owners
accepted, not to relet houses for human habitation Nil
(5) Number of dwelling-houses demolished in pursuance of Undertakings 9
(d) Proceedings under section 12 of the Housing Act, 1936:
(1) Number of separate tenements, or underground rooms in respect of
which Closing Orders were made Nil
(2) Number of separate tenements or underground rooms in respect of
which Closing Orders were determined, the tenement or room having
been rendered fit Nil
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