ÆäÀÌÁö À̹ÌÁö
PDF
ePub

I reiterate again what I said at the previous hearing: "Now, what protection have the people of the District of Columbia if the rent act is not extended?"

I would say that a good many of us would be thrown out on the streets if there was concerted action. The opposition is a concerted action.

In this connection: I refer to statement of Miss Burlack, page 390, volume 3. as follows:

"Miss BURLACK. You are issue with him on it

66

saying that because he rents five rooms you take

'Mr. WARDMAN. All I can say was he has no grievance.

"Miss BURLACK. He has a grievance if the landlord is charging $65 for that house and has it not in livable condition.

"Mr. MCKEEVER. Ten rooms.

"Miss BURLACK. I have an 11-room house, furnished my own stuff, that I rent at $75 a month, and that is where we do need the Rent Commission." We have no other tribunal where a tenant can get justice against an unreasonable and profiteering landlord-there is two sides to everything.

The Rent Commission was the great stabilizer-it took no one's propertyin fact, they all got rich selling houses as people are beginning to realize that it is really cheaper to buy your own home. I would have this one-half paid for if the landlord had given me a chance to buy it, but instead of that he sent others here to harrass me and make trouble and stir us up and at the same time would not answer questions as to what he really desired-the landlord did not loose anything and I think the Rent Commission did a great public service. I think they are still necessary. I do not believe in drastic measures. I am a landlord myself, although a poor one; I believe in them getting all they can reasonably, but there are many things to consider beside their own interest. The city is congested; there are many disputes; there is nowhere I can go to get justice that I know of. I have hunted for a house to move to-I find none suiting my condition, of which I am the judge.

I am willing to pay the rent the place is worth. I want all my money will buy. I work for my money, I do not beg for it. I think it would be a good idea if people would see that they got their money's worth. In this case we can not do it unless there is an intermediatory or a tribunal because the landlord has power to evict you when you are paying him reasonable rent. I never considered the place was worth what I was paying for it, but I am fair enough to refer it to the proper tribunal if there was one there to go to.

FREDERICK A. RHODES.

Personally affirming to the correctness hereof, so far as anyone of ordinary ability is able to know or ascertain, Mr. Rhodes has above set his name, this 20th day of January, 1925, before me, a notary public in and for the District of Columbia, Washington, D. C., being known to me to be the person referred to herein.

[SEAL.]

W. F. ROE,

Notary Public in and for the District of Columbia.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN LANDLORD AND TENANT

This agreement, made this eighth day of October, 1920, between Capital Construction Co., a corporation under the laws of the State of Virginia, of the first part, and Frederick A. Rhodes, of the second part, all of the city of Washington, District of Columbia, whereby the party of the first part has let, and does hereby let, to the said party of the second part, the premises known as No. 1228 Thirteenth Street, NW., in said city (the same being a brick dwelling), by the year commencing on the first day of November, A. D. 1920, at and for the monthly rent of sixty-five dollars, payable in advance, that is to say, on the first day of each month as rent in advance for the ensuing month.

And the said party of the second part has agreed to take, and does hereby take and hold the said premises as tenant by the year, at the said rent, payable as aforesaid; that he will pay the water rent in excess of the minimum charge of $5.65 a year, and gas bills as they become due, and that he will not sublet or assign the said premises, or any part thereof, or carry on any business therein except that of dwelling without the written consent of the said lessor, or use the same for any disorderly or unlawful purpose.

Provided, That if the said lessee shall fail to pay the said rent in advance as aforesaid, although there should have been no legal or formal demand for the same, or shall neglect to pay the water rent or gas bills at the time and on the day when the same shall fall due and be payable, as hereinbefore mentioned, or shall sublet or assign the said premises, or any part thereof, or carry on any business therein except that of dwelling aforesaid, without the written consent as aforesaid, or shall use the same for any disorderly or unlawful purpose, or break either of the aforesaid covenants, then, and in either of said events, this agreement, and all things herein contained, shall cease and determine, and shall operate as a notice to quit, the thirty days' notice to quit being hereby expressly waived. And the said lessor, or its heirs and assigns, shall and may proceed to recover possession of said premises under the provisions of the Code of Law for the District of Columbia, to regulate proceedings in cases between landlords and tenants, but if no default occurs on the part of said lessee, then he shall be entitled to not less than 30 days' notice to vacate the house and premises, which notice shall be given in writing, at least 30 days before said tenancy is intended to be terminated, and the owner or agent shall be entitled to the same notice from the lessee, should he desire to vacate the aforesaid house and premises.

And it is further provided, That if, under the provisions of this agreement, default be made and a compromise or settlement shall be made thereupon, it shall not constitute a waiver of any covenant herein contained. And the said lessee hereby agree to deliver the house in the same order in which it was received, usual wear and tear, fire and storm excepted; and it is further agreed that no waiver of one breach of any covenant herein contained shall be construed to waive or in any manner affect the covenants of this agreement.

It is further agreed, That rent shall cease if the said premises be destroyed by fire or any unavoidable casualty, so as to make them uninhabitable. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands the day and year first hereinbefore written.

CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION Co.,
By R. THOMAS ROBINSON,
General Manager.

Hon. L. HEISLER BALL,

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 27, 1925.

United States Senate, Washington, D. C.

DEAR SENATOR BALL: I have noticed in the newspapers that Mr. Petty, sécretary of the Real Estate Board of this city, reported to you that there are for rent in the District of Columbia over 500 vacant apartments and houses at a rental of $50 or less per month.

I would consider it a great favor if you will ask Mr. Petty to furnish ine with a list of those apartments and their locations. I have looked around the city quite a lot lately and have been unable to find any livable apartment at $50 per month in any location, and that is all I am able to pay.

I am a Government employee, living in Clifton Terrace with my father and semi-invalid mother, in a two-room, kitchen, and bath apartment, with an outlook upon grocery stores. One room I am compelled to use as my bed

room, living room, and dining room.

I am now paying $50 per month rent, fixed by the Rent Commission, several years ago. My landlord insists that I pay an increase of $17.50 per month, with no promise of any improvements, which are sadly needed. Because I am unable to pay this increase I have been served with an eviction notice.

i am now receiving $1,800 per year salary, but have never received as much as a $17.50 increase at any one time, since I have been working. My father is also employed by the Government, but receives only $85 per month.

I am applying for this list af apartmetns through you, as I really can not believe Mr. Petty's statement to be true, and if it should be proven untrue I think it only right and just that you and other members of the investigating committee should know it.

Thanking you for any help you may give me in the matter, and trusting that you will exercise every effort to assist the tenants, especially the Government clerks, in their need, I am,

Respectfully,

(Miss) ELEANOR SMITH, Apartment 112, West Clifton Terrace.

Subscribed and sworn to before me at Washington, D. C., this 27 day of January, 1924. [SEAL.]

LOUIS A. DELANO,

Notary Public.

HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE, NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, D. C., January 15, 1925.

MY DEAR SENATOR: There are just two effective methods of meeting the rent issue in Washington now under consideration by your committee. One is to provide a revolving fund for financing homes for Government employees under Government supervision and control, and the other is by removing all taxation from improvements and taking for public use the full rental value of the land; that is the site value. The first method would benefit directly the Government employee in the District of Columbia and incidentally all others; the second would be beneficial to the whole human race.

The revolving fund necessary to carry into effect the method for financing homes for Government employees could be secured from the retirement fund now in the hands of the Government, but which belongs to the employees themselves.

Either or both of these methods may have occurred to your mind; if so no intimation of that fact has been given out.

Both of these methods, it appears to me, are free from legal and moral objections and would prove a most wholesome means of checking graft. I inclose a copy of a recommendation made by me in this connection in October, 1920.

[blocks in formation]

I hereby certify that the within recommendations embody my personal convictions formed after many years study of the questions involved and that they constitute my own free unbiased and independent judgment.

HENRY L. PECKHAM.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of January, 1925. [SEAL.]

R. H. MOSES,
Notary Public.

OCTOBER 11, 1920.

From: Henry L. Peckham, Chief of Section of Notice to Mariners, Hydrographic Office, Navy Department, Washington, D. C.

To: The Chief Clerk, Navy Department, Washington, D. C.
Subject: Report of profiteering in rental charges.

Reference: Chief Clerk's letter, dated October 2, 1920.

1. At the beginning of the war I was living in a seven-room house for which I paid a monthly rental of $32.50. I was forced out of this house by legal action and was compelled to buy a house. This house also has seven rooms, but the monthly cost of carrying it is about $90, including taxes and an allowance of $10 for repairs. This is not a case in which any legal action can be taken, but serves to illustrate the inflation in the cost of housing due to war operations, and represents a need which must be met in some way.

2. I have on several occasions recommended a building and loan association financed and operated by the Government for the benefit of Government employees. The necessary funds could be turned over to this association instead of being deposited in national banks and would constitute a perpetual fund which would be returned as payments are made.

3. If such a scheme is undertaken, the actual construction work should be under Government supervision and direction in order to eliminate private profit. HENRY L. PECKHAM.

AFFIDAVIT

I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original submitted by me to the Navy Department on October 11, 1920, in accordance with a request contained in a letter of the chief clerk, dated October 2, 1920, and that all the statements made therein are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. HENRY L. PECKHAM.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of January, 1925. [SEAL.]

R. H. MOSES,
Notary Public.

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 26/25.

THE COMMITTEE ON THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. GENTLEMEN: In the fall 1923, Mrs. Gohan (the lady who owns the house), wanted me to raise the rent to $45 per month. I refused to pay it.

Then she raised it $5, making it $35, she promised to repair the place but she did not. When she wanted $45 I told her to repair the house and she said nobody is repairing their houses now.

December 4 I received a notice that December 7 my rent will be $50 per month. And she has never made any repairs yet and the house is not fit to live in to-day.

Yours,

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:

C. E. CHINN,

No. 319 South Capitol Street SW.

Personally came before me, a notary public in and for the District of Columbia, C. E. Chinn, to me well known, who being by me first duly sworn, deposes and says the foregoing statement, signed by him, is true.

C. E. CHINN.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 26th day of January, A. D. 1925.

CHARLES F. PACE, NOTARY PUBLIC, Washington, D. C.

My commission expires March 15, 1926.

WASHINGTON, D. C., November 7, 1919. Received of C. E. Chinn $35 for rent of premises No. 319 South Capitol Street, for one month ending December 6, 1919. $30.

JAS. F. SHEA.

WASHINGTON, D. C., September 7, 1924.

Received of C. E. Chinn $35 for rent of premises No. 319 South Capital Street, for one month ending October 6, 1924.

$35.

JAMES F. SHEA.

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 7, 1925.

Received of C. E. Chinn $50 for rent of premises No. 319 South Capitol Street, for one month ending February 6, 1925.

$50.

JAMES F. SHEA.

Mr. C. E. CHINN,

WASHINGTON, D. C., December 4, 1924.

No. 319 South Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.

DEAR SIR: This is to inform you that the rent of the premises which you occupy will be $50 per month beginning December 7, 1924.

Kindly call at this office and sign a new agreement to this effect and oblige. Yours very truly,

JAMES F. SHEA, By T. W. GREENE.

THIS AGREEMENT

Made this 3d day of December, 1918, between James F. Shea, party of the first part, and C. E. Chin, party of the second part, all of the city of Washington, District of Columbia, whereby the party of the first part has let, and does hereby let, to the said party of the second part, the premises known as 319 South Capitol Street, in said city, by the month, commencing on the 7th day of December, A. D. 1918, and at and for the monthly rent of thirty dollars, payable in advance, that is to say, on the said 7th day of each and every month during said tenancy as rent in advance for next ensuing month, at the office of James F. Shea or at the office of his heirs or assigns.

And the said party of the second part has agreed to take, and does hereby take and hold the said premises as tenant by the month, at the said rent, payable as aforesaid; that he will pay the gas and electricity bills as they become due, and that he will not sublet or assign the said premises, or any part thereof, or carry on any business therein except that of dwelling, without the written consent of the said lessor, or use the same for any disorderly or unlawful purposes; and further, that no gasoline will be kept or allowed on said premises, and that no cooking will be allowed in any part of the house except the kitchen unless by special permission in writing from the party of the first part.

Provided, That if the lessee shall fail to pay the said rent in advance of aforesaid, although there shall have been no legal or formal demand for the same, or shall neglect to pay the gas or electricity bills at the time and on the day when the same shall fall due and be payable, as hereinbefore mentioned, or shall sublet or assign the said premises, or any part thereof, or carry on any business therein except that of dwelling aforesaid, without the written consent as aforesaid; or shall use the same for any disorderly or unlawful purpose, or break either of the aforesaid covenants; then, and in either of said events, this agreement, and all things herein contained, shall cease and determine, and shall operate as a notice to quit, the 30 days' notice to quit being hereby expressly waived. And the said lessor, his heirs and assigns, shall and may proceed to recover possession of said premises under the provisions of the Code of Law for the District of Columbia to regulate proceedings in cases between landlords and tenants; but if no default occurs on the part of said lessee, then he shall be entitled to not less than 30 days' notice to vacate the aforesaid premises, and the owner or agent shall be entitled to the same notice from the lessee should he desire to vacate the aforesaid house and premises.

And it is further provided, That if, under the provisions of this agreement. default be made and a compromise or settlement shall be made thereupon, it shall not constitute a waiver of any covenant herein contained. And the said lessee hereby agrees to deliver the house in the same order in which it was received, usual wear and tear, fire, and storm excepted; and it is further agreed that no waiver of one breach of any covenant herein contained shall be construed to waive or in any manner affect the covenants of this agreement In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year first hereinbefore written.

C. E. CHIN.

415 Fourth Street NW., WASHINGTON, D. C., January 14, 1925.

MY DEAR SENATOR BALL: I was to have testified, last evening. I wanted to say, and you may consider this entire statement as under oath, that the payments were returned for September, 1924, rentals, in effort to coerce tenants

27363-25-PT 69

« ÀÌÀü°è¼Ó »