THE SUBLETTING OF ROOMS [To the Editor of the SeecreTon.]
Sue—The Spectator takes such interest in social matters that I venture to suggest, as a fitting subject for inquiry, the effect on unrest of the exaggerated prices charged for all sublettings of rooms in houses.
I suppose there is no town in the country where this practice is not followed, and yet it is absolutely against the law, though few people know how to proceed when they are victimized or what evidence they must be prepared with to substantiate their cases. Accordingly to my mind it is quite time that the Authorities awoke to their responsibilities. It seems to me that it is for the Lord Chancellor to act. As I read the Acts of Par- liament, and more especially the Measure of 1923, I do not think that extensive prosecutions would be necessary, but if exact statistics with regard to the standard rent, plus the per- mitted increase, of all subletting were brought home to tenants, there would be heavy refunds, and a general reduction of rents without delay.
Frankly, I am not surprised at the bitterness which many people feel at being compelled to pay for rooms such very extravagant rents, yet in most cases they do not know the remedy is easily within their grasp. They quite erroneously fear the reprisals of the landlords, yet this is imaginary, since so long as they pay the statutory rent their position is secure.
There have been two or three prosecutions. But what are they when the need for far more exists ? I do not, however, think the Courts would be overloaded, since speedily the victim- ization would cease. Yet if Alislation in existence is not sufficient to deal with the case of rooms let as furnished when the furniture is a fiction, then Parliament might well act. In any case the problem is so serious that I suggest it needs immediate attention. Many are suffering from the exploitation of the poor by the poor—often in its worst form.—I am, Sir, &c., Enwne &Tommie. 90 George Street, Manchester.
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