FAIR RENT CASE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20524, 14 June 1938, Page 8

FAIR RENT CASE

TENANT SUCCESSFUL HOUSE BUILT AGAINBT GARAGE HIGHER AMOUNT REFUSED Before Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M.. in the Magistrate's Court. Hamilton, today, William James Rowley, motor salesman, of Frankton, applied for the determination of the fair rent of a house in Keddell Street, Frankton, owned by Mrs Ellen Brinkworth, a widow of Claude lands. Rowley was represented by Mr R. J. Powell and the owner by Mr A. L. Tompkins. For the applicant, Mr Powell stated that the house was a 6mall one of four rooms, built on to one side of a garage, the concrete wall of which formed one side. The house had no proper bathroom, the bath being in the wash-house, and there was only one heating unit in the house—the kitchen-range. There were two houses on the section, both owned by Mrs Brinkworth. The tenant stated in evidence that he was told the ba-slc rent of the house was 15s. A previous tenant told him that. Since he took the house in February, 1938, he had been paying 25s a week. There were five leaks in the roof but Mrs Brinkworth said she did not intend to spend any more on the house. To Mr Tompkins, witness said he knew the rent of each of the houses was 25s a week. He denied that his house carried with it the use of the greater part of the section. Mrs Brinkworth stated in evidence that the Government valuation of the houses was £1415. The rent was 15s a week In May, 1935. Before Rowley came In witness had the house renovated, papered and repainted. She did not consider 25s a week an unreasonable rent for a four-roomed house. To the magistrate, witness said It was correct that one of the walls wit the concrete wall of the garage -tttxt door. She had paid £I2OO for the property. "I do not consider that there Is any ground for the rent being fixed above the basic rent," said the magistrate, in giving judgment, "the rent will be fixed at the basic rent of 15s a week as from February 9."