As the Rent Restriction Acts are by no means clearly
worded, puzzled householders may be recommended to read a pamphlet, The Tenants' Emergency Charter (Oliver and Boyd, 7d.), which explains the Acts with commendable lucidity. The author has, however, overlooked the problem of the flat, the rent of which usually includes rates. We are inclined to think that iu the case of a flat the " standard rent " means the rent less the rates, as the Acts permit a landlord in such cases to add any increase of rates to the total rent. However, a landlord, under the new Act, must comply with the tenant's request to tell him what the " standard rent " of the house is A landlord who fails to do this within fourteen days " shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding ten pounds." That is a new terror for flat-owners.
Previous page
