XN000022-1973-08-20 — Page 5

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Monday, August 20, 1973

New tenants of shops will have to pay a refundable deposit equal

to three months' rent but existing tenants who sign the agreement will be

exempted from this condition.

The new system will correct existing anomalies.

For example

the policy of allowing shopkeepers to change trades will be stopped. But

this has advantages for tenants.

Says Mr. Husband: "Superficially you may feel that you would have

less liberty in this respect, but as this ruling applies to other shops

also it would as a matter of fact enable you to enjoy a better business

by preventing a neighbouring shop from changing to a trade competitive

to your own ℗

Under tenancy agreements, transfer of a shop to another tenant

will not be permitted but this ruling will not affect existing tenants

immediately. They will be allowed to transfer their tenancies until December 1

this year.

As a special concession, partners can be added to the tenancy

before the agreement is signed. Partners were not allowed under tenancy-card

agreements.

Calling for tenants' cooperation in the new system, Mr. Husband

said: "They need have no fears about their tenancy being taken away from

then. This is one of several moves the Housing Department is making to

improve management as well as living conditions in the older estates."

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