HC Deb 23 November 1967 vol 754 cc411-2W
Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice is given by his Department to tenants and tenants' organisations as to whether rented furnished accommodation is furnished in accordance with regulations under the Rent Act.

Mr. MacColl

The Furnished Houses (Rent Control) Act, 1946, applies where the amount of the rent fairly attributable to the use of the furniture, having regard to its value to the tenant, forms a substantial proportion of the whole rent; otherwise the rent regulation provisions in the Rent Act, 1965, apply in the normal way. Whether the amount is substantial in a particular case depends on the circumstances and the rent tribunal or the rent officer can advise further having regard to the facts.

My right hon. Friend has no power to advise in particular cases.

Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government in how many cases recently the courts have decided that accommodation alleged to be, and rented as, furnished lettings were in fact unfurnished.

Mr. MacColl

I regret that this information is not available, but I am aware of two recent cases where it has been reported that tenancies regarded by the landlords as furnished were held by the county courts to be unfurnished.

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