Prosecution Under Fair Rents Act

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 258, 30 October 1937, Page 5

Prosecution Under Fair Rents Act

LANDLORD WHO RE-LET HOUSE Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. In the first case of its kind brought under the Fair Rents Act in the Auckland Police Court, Oscar Mcßrine, In spector of Factories, prosecuted on summons Adelaide Coffey, landlord of a house at Seafield Viow road, Grafton, on a charge of letting the premises within six months after obtaining possession from a tenant by the representation that she required the house for her own use and occupation. Mr. Nigel Wilson appeared for de fendant, who pleaded not guilty. Evidence was given that possession had been obtained from a tenant who had occupied the house for 5J years on the representation that the owner required the house for her own occupation. Tho tenant was paying £1 I3s per week as rent and left the house on May 1. The present tenant said in evidence that he went into occupation on May 8. Ho first paid £2 per week as rent, but this had since been, adjusted and he was at present paying £1 15s. One witness, a neighbour, said the same day as the occupiers left the house, defondant was at the house interviewing prospective tenants. The Magistrate said the facts of the case were simple. After telling the tenant that she wanted tho house to live in herself, defendant, on finding she was unable to obtain her furniture, changed her mind and let tho house again. She had no power to do this until she had obtained permission from a Magistrate. It was quito possible consent would have been given if the facts were as stated —that she had changed her mind. * ‘Defendant is liable to a penalty of £50,” said the Magistrate. “It was a foolish thing to do. It was let at a higher rental and some suspicion attaches to that.” A fine of £5 and costs, plus witnesses * expenses, was imposed.