The Waikato Times THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1936. FAIR RENTS BILL.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19903, 4 June 1936, Page 6

The Waikato Times THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1936. FAIR RENTS BILL.

The Fair Rents Bill is the first measure introduced by the Government that could be termed neutralising legislation. It has been hastily framed to prevent certain developments caused by earlier enactments, in much the same way as action was taken, under Acts already on the Statute Book, to prevent prices rising, nfter Labour measures had been passed that. would increase costs. It may effect the reSHlts desired, and incidentally it may inflict hurd—ship. The owners of houses who. during the depression, made the maximum concessions to tenants may Suffer substantially, whereas the owner who kept to the strictest interpretation of the law, in the matter of rents, may not be much affected. There is an avenue open to the considerate owner. He can approach the court and ask to have the rent revised, a process that many will be unwilling to take, and it is to he hoped that those tenants who have been treated equitably during a difficult period, will recognise that an improvement in conditions should be shared in the same way.

The Bill is to have a short term. That may mean that the Government intends to amend the legislation at a. later stage, or possibly that it hopes, with an extensive building programme in hand, to have relieved the housing shortage, a development that would have the effect of stabilising rents. Meantime the Stipendiary Magistrates may find their duties heavily increased, because if the tenant is receiving more by way of wages or salary, then owners may contend that it would be fair and equitable that they should receive a rental above that ruling in November, 1935. If rents were reduced because a tenant was unable to pay it would seem reasonable to contend that the occupier should pay more if his improved circumstances will now permit. '

The outline of the Bill, as telegraphed, indicates some anomalies. For instance, a. magistrate may order the owner to refund to the oceupier a part or the whole of any rent paid in the previous six months in excess of what is deemed a fair rent, but there does not appear to be any provision giving the owner similar protection if it should be proved that the rent charged was below the fair rent figure. Similarly, if a rental is to be increased then the tenant must be given fourteen days’ notice, whereas if the rent fixed is below that being paid then the reduction must be made immediately. The impression given is that laws with general application are to be passed in order to deal with particular cases. It is not a sound basis, and it is to be hoped that, in the recess, the Government will be able to frame amendments that will simplify the procedure, and remove any anomalies that the operation of this Bill may disclose.