ENG-1971 — Page 181

LAND AND HOUSING

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The first comprehensive legislation affecting post-war domestic premises was the Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Ordin- ance 1963 which was enacted primarily to control increases in rents and provide a measure of security of tenure. With an increase in the supply of newly completed buildings in 1963 through to 1966 the housing position eased and rents stabilised. As a result, this ordinance was allowed to expire on June 30, 1966. For the next three years the situation remained fairly quiet but, with a return of confidence following the disturbances in 1967 and a continuing demand for accommodation, rents by the end of 1969 had taken a sharp upward trend. While the situation was being considered 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 for his certificate as to what may be considered 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 certi- fied 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 consultation with an appointed panel known as the Rent Increases Advisory Panel. From its enact- ment in June 1970 to the end of 1971 the Commissioner had received 6,637 rental agreements for endorsement, 17,221 applications for increases in rent and 654 applications for reviews of rental increase certificates issued. This ordinance was originally due to expire on May 31, 1972, but has been extended for a further two years. Legislation providing for further increases in rent during the exten- sion will be introduced into the legislature early in 1972.

MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT

The problems caused by the multiple ownership of large multi- storey buildings led to the enactment of the Multi-storey Buildings