A Sub-letting’ Case.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1922, Page 1

A Sub-letting’ Case.

*— ■ ■ —) o e EJECTMENT ORDER GRANTED.

WELLINGTON, June 13.

An important case under the tenancy law, as amended last session, was decided by Mr Hunt S.M., who put into force a clause of the Housing . Act which empowers the issue of an ejectment order, on the ground that a tenant, by sub-letting the dwellinghouse or any part thereof, is making a profit which, having regard to the rent paid by the tenant, is unreasonable. The trustees of the Sydney Street Methodist Trust applied for possession of a dwlling in the Aitken Street, occupied by Margaret Burnett. Counsel for plaintiffs stated that the house was let to defendant at £1 15s weekly. This rent had been paid up, but the trustees wanted to renovate the premises. He could prove that defendant had sublet two rooms at an unreasonable rent. She had sublet two upstairs back rooms furnished at 30s per week to a widow with three children, who earned her living by cleaning offices..

His Worship said that counsel need only deal with that aspect of the case and prove that. Evidence was accordingly given in support of counsel’s statements. Tno solicitor for the. defendant contended that, taking all things into account, the profit made yvas not unreasonable.

The Magistrate, in granting an order of ejectment, within fourteen days, said that this was just the sort of mischief which the Act was intended to eure. He was going io put an end to the tenancy in this case. Perhaps it would bo a lesson to others. It might do defendant some harm, but somebody must he the first to incur the penalties of tlio Act, Se would make an order for vacation, of the premises within fourteen days. If any' other cases came before him involving exorbitant charges, ho would, make an order for the premises to be vacated within seven days. Perhaps when his decision went abroad it yvould tend to cause those who sublet rooms to reconsider the amounts they were demanding for such rooms.