ENG-1970 — Page 162

LAND AND HOUSING

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a temporary measure was enacted in January 1970 to 'freeze' rents and this was followed in June by the Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Ordinance 1970.

This ordinance, which follows very closely the provisions of the 1963 ordinance, provides security of tenure for tenants of post-war domestic premises for the life of the ordinance-two years—or for a period of two years from the date of any increase in rent. There are a number of exclusions, in particular larger flats and houses, and new lettings are not controlled. Landlords and tenants are free to agree on an increase in rent but such agreements must be endorsed by the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation. Where an increase in rent is not agreed, a landlord may apply to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation for his certificate as to what may be con- sidered a fair increase. The Commissioner has wide powers under the ordinance and also issues certificates to assist in disputes as to whether or not particular premises are excluded from its provisions. Where landlords, and in certain cases tenants, are dissatisfied with the increase in rent certified by the Commissioner there is a right of review and also appeal to the District Court. Reviews are carried out by the Commissioner or one of his more senior officers in con- sultation with an appointed panel known as the Rent Increases Advisory Panel. From its enactment in June to the end of 1970 the Commissioner had received 4,868 rental agreements for endorse- ment, 13,912 applications for increases in rent and 403 applications for reviews of rental increase certificates issued.

MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT

The problems caused by the multiple ownership of many of the large multi-storey buildings which have been built in recent years have been under study for some time and a new ordinance, the Multi-Storey Buildings (Owners Incorporation) Ordinance was enacted in June. This new law enables the individual owners in a building to form themselves into a corporation for the proper management of the common areas. Although a few corporations had been formed by the end of the year, it was too early to judge the success of this measure, which makes it easier for conscientious flat owners to form a management corporation even when other owners are indifferent.