ENG-1964 — Page 159

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LAND AND HOUSING

substantial lump sum payments. In 1963, the three-year security under this ordinance was extended to five years for new tenancies commencing after 1st July 1963. Increases in rents in 1961 and in the early part of 1962 resulted in the enactment of the Tenancy (Notice of Termination) Ordinance which came into force on 14th April 1962. Because many tenancies are monthly on a word of mouth basis, this ordinance (with certain exceptions) extended the period required for termination of domestic and business tenancies to six months' written notice. The Ordinance was amended in October 1962 so that tenancies affected by it enjoyed general security of tenure up to 30th June 1963. Domestic tenancies were given further security of tenure for two years from 1st July 1963 following enact- ment of the 1963 Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Ordinance, but for business premises general security of tenure, apart from the obligatory six months' notice of termination, ended on 30th June 1963.

The 1963 Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Ordinance deals with rent increase control rather than rent control and does not apply to initial lettings. Landlords and tenants are also free to agree to any increase in rent but such agreements require endorse- ment by the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation. No increase in rent is allowed, other than by agreement, in the two years following commencement of a tenancy or in the two years after an increase in rent; and, where rent is increased, security of tenure for two years (subject to ordinary tenancy requirements being met) is assured. The ordinance is due to expire on 30th June 1965 but at the end of this year Government announced its intention of introducing legislation to extend its life for a further two years. Under the ordinance increases are generally limited to not more than 10 per cent of the existing rent except in the special circumstances of particular tenancies. Applications for certificates of increase are made to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation who has wide powers under this ordinance, as well as the right to consult the Rent Increases Advisory Panel. During 1964 the Commissioner received some 3,450 applications of which about 21 per cent were in respect of agreed increases, 64 per cent for increases in rent of not more than 10 per cent and six per cent for increases exceeding 10 per cent.