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47
In accordance with the instructions contained in the Manual
of Housing issued by the Ministry of Health, notices have been
served where necessary under the Public Health Acts.
In reference to a block of 16 cottages the owners stated their
inability to carry out the work required owing to poverty; the
Health Committee resolved to put in force Section 28 of the H.T.P.
Act, 1919, but the notices were not served until the early part of
1921.
As regards difficulties in remedying unfitness, in a few instances
the owners requested a longer period within which to carry out the
work, owing to financial difficulties.
I am to report that the Ministry has recently (1921) given its
sanction to the putting in force of bye-laws in connection with
tents, vans, sheds, &c.
Rent Restriction Act, 1920.
Section 2 (2) of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interes
(Restriction) Act, 1920, provides that "at any time or times not
being less than three months after the date of any increase of rent
permitted under this Act the tenant or Sanitary Authority may
apply to the County Court for an order suspending such increase on
the grounds that the house is not in all respects reasonably fit for
human habitation or is otherwise not in a reasonable state of repair.
The Court on being satisfied, by the production of a certificate
from the Sanitary Authority, that any such ground as aforesaid
is established, and on being further satisfied that the condition of
the house is not due to the tenant's neglect or default or breach of
express agreement, shall order that the increase be suspended
until the Court is satisfied, on the report of the Sanitary Authority
or otherwise, that the necessary repairs (other than the repairs, if
any, for which the tenant is liable) have been executed, and on
making of such Order the increase shall cease having effect until
the Court is so satisfied."