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On the other hand the landlord was not to blame in all cases; even
where we found that the required cleansing and decoration took place
we came across bad tenants who were not only dirty in themselves, but
committed wilful damage to the property. This type of tenant, fortunately,
is in the minority, but such do exist, and the neglect of their
flats is not due to a bad landlord, but to a bad tenant; these people are
a problem unto themselves.
It may be well to indicate that after each visit, action was taken
in one way or another to deal with the defects found, and already a large
number of improvements have been effected.
UNDERGROUND ROOMS.
As a result of new legislation dealing with underground rooms in
the Borough, a survey of these rooms has been made.
The number of underground rooms which do not comply with the
Council's Regulations, and which will have to be dealt with under the
Housing Act totals 2,349.
Of this number, 1,636 can be rendered fit for human habitation, if
certain alterations are made, whilst the remainder are totally unfit.
The work of sub-dividing these rooms into those which can be closed
immediately without causing inconvenience to the tenants or overcrowding
the premises, and those occupied by persons for whom fresh
accommodation will have to be found, is now proceeding.
OUINN SQUARE.
I have received the following report from Mr. Hattersley:—
During the year I made a comprehensive inspection of these buildings
with a view to a general improvement, and eight schedules were served
(one on each block) for the entire reconstruction of the drainage system,
new sinks, food cupboards, etc.
The buildings consist of 234 tenements in eight blocks of six floors,
one floor semi-basement; these semi-basement rooms comply with the
Council's underground rooms regulations.
There are 32 three-roomed and 128 two-roomed tenements, and
74 single room lettings.