PROFITEERING IN FURNISHED ROOMS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2051, 10 September 1920, Page 6

PROFITEERING IN FURNISHED ROOMS.

To the Editor of THE SUN. Sir,—Will you permit me, through the columns of your valuable paper, to protest on behalf of hundreds of people in a similar position to myself, against the profiteering which is being carried on by persons who let unfurnished rooms. During the past few days, I have called at various addresses in response to advertisements in The Sun, stating that unfurnished rooms were to let. In the majority of cases, a medium-sized room, with gas and fireplace, was offered for sums ranging fr.:m 15/- to 25/- weekly, and "other small bedrooms, devoid of gas os fireplace, for 10/and 12/6 weekly. In one particular instance, four rooms of a 14-roomed house, at present occupied by three adults, was offered for £2 7/6 per week.

If this sort of thing in allowed to coutirme, it will soon lie impossible for the nmn with a medium salary to do more with his weekly wage than pay his board. I understand, sir, that an Act exists, for* bidding a landlord to charge a rental of more than 8 per cent, per annum of the capital value of a property. Would you, or some of your readers, kindly inform me whether the rent of rooms is controlled by any Act? Jf not, I think that it is high time that tlio body responsible should conduct an investigation of what, to my mind, is downright exploitation. Trusting that some abler pen than mine will take up this question.—l am, etc., HOMELESS. Chrlstehurch, September 10. |We do not sec libw it would l>e possible to apply the 8 per cent, regulation to the rental of single rooms, which, as often»ns not, arc being sub-let to help the tenant pay his rent.—Ed.. The Sun.]