LEGAL INQUIRY COLUMN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 35, 11 February 1943, Page 3

LEGAL INQUIRY COLUMN

SCOTTY—An engagement or promise to marry is not binding on any person under the age of 21 years. Thus whether you and your fiance become engaged now or not, the engagement is not binding in law and has no real significance, and is merely a personal understanding between you. is nothing' wrong in selling a car which has no warrant of fitness so long as it is not represented as having one. In general, of course, the buyer will expect a car to have a warrant of fitness. The seller is not concerned with what the buyer intends to do with the car and for all he knows it may be wanted merely for wrecking, in which case a warrant of fitness is of no importance. A.H.T. —Your tenancy is within the scope of the Fair Rents Act. Your landlord cannot, therefore, increase the rent without your consent or the approval of the Court. If you think the rent is excessive considering the lack of conveniences, you should apply to have the fair rent fixed. MORTGAGE—There is either a mortgage or an agreement to mortgage in favour of the estate of the man from whom you bought the house. Under the War Regulations a mortgagee cannot compel you to pay off the mortgage without obtaining leave of the Court. If you satisfy the Court that you are unable out of your own moneys or by borrowing to repay the mortgage, the Court will refuse leave, provided that the margin of security is reasonably adequate and that interest is paid. You should write to the mortgagee informing him of the change in yAur circumstances.