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Slum Clearance and Housing
SLUM CLEARANCE AND HOUSING ACT

CHAPTER 33:02

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Act
41 of 1938

Amended by
34 of 1941
39 of 1951
16 of 1954
2 of 1959
3 of 1962
16 of 1962
*19 of 1981
*21 of 1981
*24 of 1981
28 of 1994

*See Note on Amendment on page 2

L.R.O.

Current Authorised Pages
Pages Authorised

(inclusive) by L.R.O.
1–50 ..

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

2 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

Index of Subsidiary Legislation
Page

County Councils (Local Authorities) Order (GN 166/1954) … … 47

Slum Clearance and Housing (Prescribed Forms) Regulations (GN 5/1949) … 47

Note on Amendment
This Act has been amended by Act No. 19 of 1981, Act No. 21 of 1981 and Act No. 24 of 1981,
but those Acts (i.e., Nos. 19, 21 and 24 of 1981) had not up to the date of the last revision of
this Act been brought into operation.

Note on Adaptation
Under paragraph 6 of the Second Schedule to the Law Revision Act (Ch. 3:03) the Commission
amended certain references to public officers in this Chapter. The Minister’s approval of the
amendments was signified by LN 120/1980, but no marginal reference is made to this Notice
where any such amendment is made in the text.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 3

CHAPTER 33:02

SLUM CLEARANCE AND HOUSING ACT

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

SECTION

PART I

PRELIMINARY
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
3. Duty of Authority to carry out provisions of the Act.

PART II

GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY
4. General powers of Authority.
5. Power of Authority to make arrangements with Housing Association.
6. Power of Authority to make advances to persons for the purpose of

improving or increasing housing accommodation.
7. Powers of Authority as to ruinous or dilapidated buildings.

PART III

PREPARATION AND APPROVAL OF SCHEMES
8. Duty of Authority to prepare housing schemes.
9. Authority may declare an unhealthy area to be a slum clearance area.

10. Duty of Authority to secure redevelopment.
11. Copies of resolutions to be sent to the Minister.

Submission of scheme to the Minister.
12. Local Authority affected by scheme to be notified.
13. Approval of scheme by Minister.

Provision of accommodation for persons displaced.
14. Notification of approval of scheme.

PART IV

EFFECTS AND OBLIGATIONS CONSEQUENT
UPON AN APPROVED SCHEME

15. Demolition order.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS—Continued

SECTION

16. Use of land in respect of which a demolition order has been made.
17. Owner of land and buildings may be permitted to carry out slum

clearance scheme or redevelopment scheme.
18. Certificates as to the condition of houses and exemption from slum

clearance area.
19. Judge may empower owner to execute works on default of another

owner.

PART V

ACQUISITION AND COMPENSATION
20. Acquisition of land, etc., by Authority.
21. Acquisition of land, etc., by Authority for purposes of approved

schemes.
22. Basis for assessing compensation: general provisions.

Compensation: special provisions.
23. Payments in respect of well maintained houses.
24. Power of Authority to make allowances to certain persons displaced.
25. Provisions as to costs of persons opposing schemes or orders.

PART VI

COMPLETION OF SCHEMES AND CONSEQUENTIAL
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY

26. Authority to carry out scheme.
Certificate by Authority of completion of scheme.

27. Recovery of possession of buildings within areas of approved schemes.
28. Power of Judge to determine lease where premises demolished.
29. Provisions as to apparatus of statutory undertakers in land dealt with

by Authority under the Act.
30. Extinguishment of ways, easements, etc.
31. Power of Authority to require information as to ownership of premises.
32. Power of entry for inspection, etc.
33. Penalty for obstructing execution of Act.
34. Further powers of Authority in relation to sales, leases or exchanges.
35. Conditions to be observed by the Authority in letting houses.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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SECTION

36. Application of Housing Act.
37. Payments by Authority.

PART VII

GENERAL
38. Power of public departments, etc., to make agreements in connection

with schemes.
39. Power of Authority and owners to enter into agreements restricting

use of land.
40. Schemes affecting lands held under the Real Property Act.
41. Service of notices, etc., on Authority.

Service of notices, etc., on other persons.
42. Summary procedure.
43. Regulations.

FIRST SCHEDULE.
SECOND SCHEDULE.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

6 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

CHAPTER 33:02

SLUM CLEARANCE AND HOUSING ACT

An Act to make provisions with respect to the housing of
persons of the working classes, the acquisition,
reconstruction and management of slum clearance areas
and redevelopment areas, the improvement of unhealthy
areas, the repair or demolition of insanitary dwellings, and
for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.

[1ST APRIL 1939]

PART I

PRELIMINARY

1. This Act may be cited as the Slum Clearance and
Housing Act.

2. In this Act—
“Authority” means the National Housing Authority established

under the provisions of the Housing Act and for the purposes
of this Act and of the Town and Country Planning Act;

“block of flats” means a building which contains two or more flats
and consists of two or more storeys exclusive of any storey
which is constructed for use for purposes other than those
of a dwelling;

“dwelling,” “dwelling house” or “house” means any premises
used as a separate dwelling by persons of the working class
or of a type suitable for such use and includes any part of a
building which is occupied, or intended to be occupied, as a
separate dwelling, and also includes a flat;

“flat” means a separate and self-contained set of premises
constructed for use for the purpose of a dwelling and forming
part of a building from some other part of which it is divided;

“Housing Association” means a society, body of trustees or
company established for the purpose of, or amongst
whose objects or powers are included those of constructing,

1950 Ed.
Ch. 37. No.2.
41 of 1938.

Commencement.

Short title.

Interpretation.
[16 of 1962].

Ch. 33:01.

Ch. 35:01.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 7

improving or managing or facilitating or encouraging the
construction or improvement of, houses for the working
classes, which the Minister for the purposes of this Act may
deem and certify to be a Housing Association;

“Judge” means a Judge of the High Court sitting in Chambers,
and in the case of any matter within the jurisdiction of a Petty
Civil Court, includes the Judge of that Court;

“landlord” means the immediate landlord of an occupier and
includes, in relation to an occupier of a dwelling house who
holds under a contract of employment under which the
provision of the house for his occupation forms part of his
remuneration, his employer; and “agent” means, in relation
to the landlord of a dwelling house, a person who collects
rent in respect thereof on behalf of the landlord or is
authorised by him to do so, or, in the case of a dwelling house
occupied by a person who holds as aforesaid, a person who
pays remuneration to the occupier on behalf of the employer
or is authorised by him to do so;

“loan charges” means, in relation to any borrowed moneys, the
sums required for the payment of interest on those moneys
and for the repayment thereof either by instalments or by
means of a sinking fund;

“Local Authority” means the Municipal Corporations of
Port-of-Spain, San Fernando and Arima, within their
respective jurisdictions and any other authority which the
Minister shall by Order declare to be a Local Authority for
the purposes of this Act, and within the area and to the extent
specified in such Order;

“official representation” means a representation made by any
Local Authority with regard to any area within the
jurisdiction of that Authority, or a representation made by a
Medical Officer of Health or any statutory Health Authority;

“owner” in relation to any building or land, means a person, other
than a mortgagee not in possession, who is for the time being
entitled to dispose of the fee simple of the building or land,
whether in possession or in reversion, and includes also a

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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8 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

person holding or entitled to the rents and profits of the
building or land under a lease or agreement, the unexpired
term whereof exceeds three years;

“road” means any road whether public or private and includes any
street, square, court, alley, lane, bridge, footway, trace, bridle
path, passage, or highway, whether a thoroughfare or not;

“sanitary defects” includes darkness, dampness, lack of air space
or of ventilation, absence of adequate and readily accessible
water supply or sanitary accommodation or of other
conveniences, and inadequate paving or drainage of courts,
yards or passages;

“scheme” means a housing scheme, a slum clearance scheme, a
redevelopment scheme, and a scheme varying or revoking
an existing scheme;

“slum clearance area” means an area defined and declared as such
in the manner hereinafter contained to be acquired or
redeveloped for the purposes of and in accordance with the
provisions of this Act;

“statutory undertaker” means any authority, company or person
empowered by an Act to execute or construct authorised
works or to carry into effect the purposes of that Act.

3. The duty of carrying out the provisions of this Act,
including the housing of persons of the working classes, the
acquisition, reconstruction and management of slum clearance
areas and redevelopment areas, the improvement of unhealthy
areas, the repair or demolition of insanitary dwellings, the due
execution and enforcement of any scheme in accordance with this
Act and for other purposes connected with the matters aforesaid
as provided by this Act shall (subject to the limitations and
conditions hereinafter contained) be vested in the Authority.

PART II

GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY

4. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Authority may—
(a) acquire land or buildings, or an estate or interest

therein, for all or any of the purposes of an

Duty of
Authority to
carry out
provisions of
the Act.
[3 of 1962].

General powers
of Authority.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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approved scheme, which purposes may include
the erection, construction, maintenance and
improvement (whether by the Authority or by
persons other than the Authority) of houses and
gardens, factories, workshops, places of worship,
places of recreation and other works and buildings
for or for the convenience of persons of the
working class and other persons, and generally
all such matters as are necessary or desirable for,
or are incidental to, the development of the
property acquired as a building estate;

(b) with the approval of the Minister—
(i) acquire land or buildings, or an estate or

interest therein, for the purpose of the
development of the property acquired in
any way which, if a scheme had been
applicable to the property, could have been
properly provided for in such scheme;

(ii) acquire land or buildings, or any estate or
interest therein, adjacent to a slum
clearance area or redevelopment area,
which in the opinion of the Authority it is
desirable should be acquired for the
satisfactory further development or use of
the slum clearance area or redevelopment
area, as the case may be;

(iii) acquire land or buildings, or any estate or
interest therein, in any area suitable for the
purposes of a contemplated scheme;

(c) carry out, in connection with any property
acquired for the purposes of an approved scheme,
the purposes of that scheme;

(d) subject to the general or special directions of the
Minister, carry out, in connection with any
property acquired under paragraph (b)(i) and (ii),
the purposes for which the property was acquired;

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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(e) subject to the general or special directions of the
Minister, carry out, in relation to land or buildings,
or any estate or interest therein, vested in the State,
any purpose which could properly be provided
for in a scheme in relation to property acquired
for the purposes of the scheme, including (but
without prejudice to the generality of the powers
conferred by this paragraph) the erection of
houses for settlers participating in any Land
Settlement Scheme approved by the Minister;

(f) without prejudice to any other powers conferred
by this section, let or lease, subject to the
provisions of section 42 and the general or special
directions of the Minister, any land or buildings
vested in the Authority on such terms and subject
to such covenants and conditions as the Authority
may think fit;

(g) with the approval of the Minister and on such
terms as the Minister may approve, sell or
exchange any land or buildings or any estate or
interest therein vested in the Authority;

(h) accept a donation of money for any purpose to
which the funds of the Authority may lawfully
be applied;

(i) guarantee or join in guaranteeing the payment
of interest and capital on money borrowed by a
person of the working class to purchase a
dwelling house or to erect a dwelling house for
his own use upon land belonging to the Authority
or the State let or leased to such person upon
such terms and conditions as the Authority may
deem fit;

(j) with the approval of the Minister make advances
upon such securities as may likewise be approved
to suitable social organisations for the purpose of
assisting the erection of hostels for single men
and single women of the working class;

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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(k) invest at their discretion in any securities
authorised by law for the time being for the
investment of trust funds any moneys (whether
consisting of capital or income) at any time at the
disposal of the Authority and not immediately
required by the Authority for the purchase of
property or the construction of buildings or for
other purposes as authorised by this Act.

5. (1) The Authority may, with the approval of the Minister,
make arrangements with a Housing Association for the purpose of
enabling the Association to—

(a) provide housing accommodation for persons of
the working class displaced by action taken by
the Authority under the provisions of this Act
for dealing with slum clearance areas or with
redevelopment areas or for the demolition of
insanitary houses or for the closing of buildings
or parts of buildings;

(b) provide housing accommodation for persons of
the working class for the purpose of the abatement
of overcrowding;

(c) alter, enlarge, repair or improve houses or
buildings which, or an estate or interest in which,
the Authority have acquired with a view to the
provision or improvement of housing
accommodation for persons of the working class.

Arrangements made under this subsection shall include such
terms with regard to such matters, including the types of houses to
be provided, the rents at which the houses provided are to be let
and the conditions of the tenancy, as may appear to the Authority
to be expedient in view of the needs in relation to the housing of
the working classes and as may be approved by the Minister.

(2) A contribution as provided in the Second Schedule
shall be payable in respect of a house provided by a Housing
Association under arrangements made under this section and
shall be paid to the Authority who shall pay to the Association by
way of annual grant an amount not less than the contribution.

Power of
Authority to
make
arrangements
with Housing
Association.
[3 of 1962].

Second
Schedule.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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12 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

(3) If the Minister is satisfied that the Association have
made default in giving effect to the terms of any arrangements
made between them and the Authority under this section, he may
reduce the amount of any contribution payable to the Authority
under subsection (2) in respect of houses provided by the
Association, or suspend or discontinue the payment of any such
contribution, as he thinks just.

(4) If the Minister reduces, or suspends, or discontinues
the payment of a contribution payable under subsection (3), the
Authority may reduce to a proportionate or any less extent the
annual grant by them to the Association or may suspend the
payment payable thereof for a corresponding period or may
discontinue the payment thereof, as the case may be.

(5) If a Housing Association represent to the Minister that
they have submitted to the Authority proposals for arrangements
under this section, and that the Authority have unreasonably refused
to make arrangements in accordance with the proposals, the
Minister may require the Authority to furnish him with a report as
to the matter stating the reasons for their refusal and to make such
arrangements as shall be approved of by the Minister.

6. (1) The Authority may, subject to the provisions
hereinafter contained and subject to the approval of the Minister,
in any case where the Authority consider that having regard to the
costs involved and the financial position of the applicant it is
reasonable to give such assistance, advance money for purchasing
or constructing one or more houses, or for carrying out alterations
or repairs to any house or houses—

(a) to any employer of labour, provided that such
houses are situated on land owned by the
employer and are to be used as dwellings for
persons of the working class in the employ of
such employer;

(b) to any person of the working class, provided that
such house is situated on land owned by the
Authority or the State.

Power of
Authority to
make advances
to persons for
the purpose of
improving or
increasing
housing
accommodation.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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(2) Applications for advances under this section shall be
made in writing addressed to the Authority and shall contain full
particulars of the houses to be purchased, constructed, altered, or
repaired, and of the land on which such houses are or shall be
situate, the amount of the advances required, the manner in which
such advances are to be applied, the proposals for repayment thereof
and such other particulars as may be required by the Authority.

(3) The Authority before granting any such assistance
shall satisfy themselves that the house in respect of which assistance
is to be given, will, when the building, alteration, or repair has
been completed, be in all respects fit for human habitation, and
will be used as dwellings for the working classes.

(4) The Authority shall consider each application and shall
fix the maximum amount to be allowed, the conditions on which,
and the times at which the total amount or any portion thereof
shall be advanced, and the terms and conditions of repayment.
Every advance made under this Act shall carry interest at such rate
as shall be fixed by the Minister on the amount of every such
advance, or on so much thereof as shall for the time being remain
unpaid; such interest shall be paid at such times as the Authority
shall specify.

(5) (a) As soon as practicable after the fixing of the
maximum advances to be allowed to any person under
subsection (4), the Authority shall forward to the Registrar General
a notification in the form mentioned in the First Schedule containing
the necessary particulars and conditions, and upon receipt thereof
the Registrar General shall file the same in the register, to be kept
for the purpose, and such register shall be open to inspection by
the public on payment of the appropriate fee.

(b) Where the advance to be allowed is in respect of
land held under the provisions of the Real Property Act, the
Registrar General shall also endorse a memorandum of the advance
upon the State grant or certificate of title of such land.

(6) All moneys advanced to any person under the
Authority of this section, together with interest thereon, and any

First Schedule.

Ch. 56:02.

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sum expended by way of insurance or in payment of rates and
taxes, shall be a charge on the house or houses of such person
specified in the notification filed by the Registrar General, and
upon the interest which such person may have in the land upon
which such house or houses are erected.

(7) The Bills of Sale Act shall not apply to houses in
respect of which an advance has been made under the provisions
of this section.

(8) In the case where a house or houses are erected on
land not held under the provisions of the Real Property Act every
notification duly filed by the Registrar General pursuant to
subsection (5), shall from the time of such filing take effect as if
the same were a Deed duly registered under the Registration of
Deeds Act and shall be good and effectual both at law and in
equity according to the priority of time of filing of such
notification according to the right, title and interest of the person
charging such land against every other assurance or disposition
of the same land or any part thereof and against all judgment
creditors of the person so charging such land. In the case where a
house or houses are erected on land held under the provisions of
the Real Property Act, every notification duly filed by the
Registrar General shall, as from the date of endorsement on the
State grant or certificate of title of such land take effect as an
instrument under the provisions of the Real Property Act and
shall be entitled to priority in manner prescribed by section 45 of
the Real Property Act.

(9) On the repayment of all advances made under this
Act and of all interest payable thereon, the Authority shall give a
certificate to that effect and thereupon the charge created by this
Act in respect of such advances and interest shall be released
and the Registrar General shall upon the production to him of
such certificate endorse on the notification filed by him and across
the memorandum (if any) endorsed on the State grant or certificate
of title of the land charged, a memorandum to the effect that
such charge has been released and the Registrar General shall
sign such memorandum.

Ch. 82:32.

Ch. 56:02.

Ch. 19:06.

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(10) If any person who has received an advance fails to
pay interest on the capital amount when due, or commits any breach
of any of the conditions attaching to such advance, the Authority
may make up an account showing the amount due on the advance
together with the interest thereon and any other charges and deliver
to such person either personally or by post a copy of such account
and upon delivery of such account the amount therein stated to be
due shall be immediately payable to the Authority and in default
of payment the Authority may exercise any or all of the powers
available to mortgagees for enforcing payment of their securities.

(11) In lieu of the procedure set out in the preceding
subsections for securing any advance made by the Authority, any
such advance and the interest thereon may be secured by way of
mortgage deed or memorandum of mortgage as the case may be
under the provisions of the Real Property Act containing such
conditions and covenants as may be agreed upon.

7. (1) Whenever any building normally occupied as a
dwelling by members of the working classes is in the opinion of
the Authority ruinous or so dilapidated as to have become and to
be unfit for human habitation or a nuisance or injurious to health,
the Authority may give notice in writing to the owner requiring
him forthwith to take down, secure, repair or rebuild the same to
the satisfaction of the Authority within a time to be specified in
the notice.

(2) If the owner fails to comply with the requirements of
the notice within the time specified therein, the Authority or any
person authorised by the Authority in writing may make complaint
thereof before a Magistrate, and the Magistrate may order the owner
to carry out the requirements of the notice within a time fixed by
him in his order.

(3) If such order is not complied with within the time fixed
therein, the owner shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine
of one thousand dollars and to a further fine of one hundred dollars
for every day during the continuance of such non-compliance, and
the Authority may, without prejudice to their right to institute a
prosecution, with all convenient speed enter upon the building or
upon the ground on which it stands and execute the order.

Ch. 56:02.

Powers of
Authority as to
ruinous or
dilapidated
buildings.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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(4) When the order directs the taking down of a neglected
building, the Authority, in executing the order, may remove the
materials to a convenient place, and (unless the expenses incurred
by the Authority under this section in relation to such building are
paid to them within fourteen days after such removal) sell the same
or any part thereof as and if they in their discretion think fit.

(5) All expenses incurred by the Authority under this
section in relation to a building may be deducted by the Authority
out of the proceeds of the sale, and the surplus, if any, shall be paid
by the Authority to the owner of the building on demand and upon
proof of title; or the Authority may, if they think fit, pay such surplus
into the High Court to an account to be entitled—

“In the matter of the Slum Clearance and Housing Act, and
of the premises (describing them) the materials of which were
sold under the provisions of the said Act”,

and the High Court or any Judge thereof may, on the petition of
any person entitled or claiming to be entitled to such moneys or
any part thereof, make an order for the payment of the same or any
part thereof to the person or persons entitled thereto.

(6) If the building is not taken down and such materials
are not sold by the Authority, or if the proceeds of such sale are
insufficient to defray the said expenses, the Authority may recover
such expenses or such insufficiency from the owner of the building
together with full costs in respect thereto in a summary manner,
but without prejudice to his right to recover the same from any
lessee or other person liable to the expenses of repairs.

(7) In connection with the exercise by the Authority of
the powers conferred by this section in relation to a building within
the area of a Local Authority, the following provisions shall have
effect, namely:

(a) the Authority shall, in deciding to issue a notice
under subsection (1) or in deciding whether any
such notice has been satisfactorily complied with,
take into consideration any report on the building
submitted by the chief health or engineering
adviser of the local authority;

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(b) the Authority shall notify the local authority of
the dates and place at which any such decisions
as mentioned in paragraph (a) will be considered
and thereupon the local authority shall have the
right to delegate three of their members to attend
upon the Authority for the purpose of discussing
the decisions or any of them.

(8) In this section the term “building” includes a part of
a building.

PART III

PREPARATION AND APPROVAL OF SCHEMES

8. (1) It shall be the duty of the Authority to consider the
needs of Trinidad and Tobago with respect to the provision of
housing accommodation for persons of the working class in any
particular area, and as often as occasion arises, or after notice has
been given to the Authority by the Minister and within such period
as shall be specified in the notice, to cause the area to be defined
on a plan and to prepare and submit to the Minister a scheme
(hereinafter referred to as a housing scheme) for the exercise of
their powers under the provisions of this Act and to pass a resolution
declaring the area so defined to be a housing area.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act but without
prejudice to section 11, the Authority may carry into effect any
housing scheme—

(a) by the conversion of any buildings acquired into
dwelling houses;

(b) by altering, enlarging, repairing or improving any
houses or buildings which have been acquired by
the Authority;

(c) by altering, enlarging, repairing or improving a
house as erected, converted or acquired, and
fitting out, furnishing and supplying any such
house with all requisite fittings and conveniences.

Duty of
Authority to
prepare housing
schemes.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

18 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

(3) Where the Authority acquire a house or other building
in a housing area which could be made suitable as a dwelling house
for the working classes, or an estate or an interest in such a house
or other building, they shall forthwith proceed to secure the
alteration, enlargement, repair or improvement of such house or
building, either by themselves executing any necessary works, or
by leasing it to some person subject to conditions for securing that
he will alter, enlarge, repair or improve it.

9. (1) Where the Authority, as a result of an inspection or
upon consideration of an official representation or other
information in their possession, are satisfied as respects any area
that the housing conditions in that area are dangerous or injurious
to the health and welfare of the inhabitants by reason of the
disrepair or sanitary defects of dwelling houses or barracks therein
or of the bad arrangement of the houses or of the narrowness or
bad arrangement of the roads, and that those conditions can be
effectually remedied—

(a) by ordering the demolition, reconstruction or
repair as the circumstances may require of those
dwelling houses or barracks which are unfit for
human habitation; or

(b) by the acquisition of the land and buildings
thereon comprised in the area and themselves
undertaking or otherwise securing the demolition,
reconstruction or repair as the circumstances
may require of those dwelling houses or barracks
which are unfit for human habitation; and

(c) if it is so desired, by the acquisition by the
Authority of any land or buildings in the area
which it is expedient for them to acquire for the
reconstruction and development of the area; and

(d) if it is so desired, by the acquisition of any land
which is surrounded by the area, the acquisition
of which is reasonably necessary for the purpose
of securing a cleared area of convenient shape
and dimensions, and of any adjoining land, the

Authority may
declare an
unhealthy area
to be a slum
clearance area.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 19

acquisition of which is reasonably necessary for
the satisfactory development or use of the
cleared area,

the Authority shall cause that area to be defined on a plan in such
a manner as to exclude from that area any land or buildings in
respect of which in their opinion sanitary defects do not exist or
which they do not find it expedient to acquire for the remedying
of badly arranged conditions, but including in such area buildings
which in their opinion are in a state of disrepair and any
surrounding or adjoining land which it is desired by the Authority
to acquire.

(2) The Authority shall pass a resolution declaring the
area so defined to be a slum clearance area and shall, within the
period prescribed below, prepare and submit to the Minister a
scheme (hereinafter referred to as a slum clearance scheme) for
the exercise of their powers under the provisions of this Act.

10. Where the Authority, as a result of an inspection or upon
consideration of an official representation or other information in
their possession are satisfied that in any district there is an area in
which the following conditions exist, that is to say:

(a) that the area contains eighteen or more working-
class houses;

(b) that at least one-third of the working-class houses
in the area are overcrowded, or so arranged as to
be congested, or unfit for human habitation and
not capable at a reasonable expense of being
rendered so fit;

(c) that the industrial and social conditions of the
district are such that the area should be used to
a substantial extent for housing the working
classes; and

(d) that it is expedient in connection with the
provision of housing accommodation for the

Duty of
Authority to
secure
redevelopment.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

20 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

working classes that the area should be
redeveloped as a whole,

it shall be the duty of the Authority—
(i) to cause the area to be defined on a plan,

and to pass a resolution declaring the
area so defined to be a proposed
redevelopment area;

(ii) within the period and in the manner
prescribed below to prepare and submit to
the Minister a scheme (hereinafter referred
to as a redevelopment scheme) for the
exercise of their powers under the
provisions of this Act.

11. (1) As soon as may be after the Authority have passed a
resolution under section 8, 9 or 10 they shall send a copy of the
resolution to the Minister and shall publish in the Gazette and in
a local daily newspaper a notice stating that the resolution has
been passed and naming a place where a copy of the resolution
may be inspected.

(2) Within three months after the Authority shall have
passed such a resolution or within such extended period as the
Minister may allow, the Authority shall prepare and submit to the
Minister a plan of any scheme intended to be undertaken
accompanied by a statement containing appropriate particulars of
the scheme indicating—

(a) the manner in which it is intended that the defined
area should be laid out and the land therein used,
and in particular the land intended to be used for
the provision of houses for the working classes,
for roads and for open spaces;

(b) the approximate quantity of the land to
be acquired;

(c) the approximate number and the nature of the
houses to be provided by the Authority;

(d) the average number of houses to be constructed
per acre;

Copies of
resolutions to be
sent to the
Minister.
[3 of 1962].

Submission of
scheme to the
Minister.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 21

(e) if the demolition of existing houses and the
erection of new houses are proposed, the nature
of the proposed new houses;

(f) if the total demolition of existing houses is not
proposed, the nature of repairs, improvements and
reconstruction intended to be made;

(g) the time within which the scheme or any part
thereof is to be carried into effect;

(h) the estimated cost of the scheme and of the rents
expected to be derived from the houses provided
under the scheme;

(i) such incidental, consequential and supplementary
provisions (including provisions as to the
subsequent variation of the scheme) as may
appear necessary or proper for the purpose of
the scheme;

(j) objections made by persons affected by the
scheme where such objections have not been
withdrawn or met.

(3) In the preparation of any scheme the Authority shall
have regard to the provisions of any planning scheme relating to
the defined area or land in the neighbourhood thereof.

(4) The Authority before submitting such scheme to the
Minister shall—

(a) publish in a local daily newspaper a notice stating
that the scheme is about to be submitted to the
Minister for approval, naming a place where the
plan and particulars of the scheme may be
inspected, and specifying the time within which,
and the manner in which, objections may be
made; and

(b) serve a notice to the like effect on every owner
and on every other person who to the knowledge
of the Authority has any estate or interest in land
in the defined area, except persons holding under
a monthly tenancy or less period; but failure to
serve any such notice shall not in any manner
prejudice such scheme.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

22 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

12. (1) In any case where a scheme is wholly or in part within
the area of a Local Authority, the Authority shall before submitting
the draft scheme to the Minister for approval, furnish particulars
and a copy of the scheme to the Local Authority for their
consideration and representations.

(2) If the Local Authority are desirous of making any
objections or representations in respect of the said scheme, they
shall within the prescribed time and manner submit the same to
the Authority.

(3) The Authority shall consider any objections or
representations received by them in pursuance of this section, and
shall give full opportunity for such Local Authority to be heard by
the Authority, and in submitting the scheme to the Minister for
approval shall forward copies of all such objections or
representations which have not been met or withdrawn.

13. (1) The Minister may, if he thinks fit, after considering
any objections duly made, to the scheme which have not been
withdrawn or met, approve the scheme submitted to him or any
part thereof, either without modification or with such
modifications as he thinks fit (including, if he thinks fit, the
alteration of the defined area so as to exclude land therefrom,
but not so as to add land thereto) and the scheme or part thereof
when so approved shall be binding on the Authority; but if the
Minister considers the scheme inadequate he may refuse to
approve the scheme and require the Authority to prepare and
submit to him an adequate scheme within such time as he may
fix, or he may approve the scheme or any part thereof subject to
the condition that the Authority prepare and submit to him a
further scheme within such time as he may fix.

In the case of a redevelopment scheme he may, before approving
the scheme, cause a public enquiry into the matter to be held under
the Commissions of Enquiry Act and shall consider any objection
not withdrawn and the report of the Commission of Enquiry, and
he may thereafter approve the scheme with or without any such
modifications as aforesaid.

Local Authority
affected by
scheme to be
notified.
[3 of 1962].

Approval of
scheme by
Minister.
[3 of 1962].

Ch. 19:01.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 23

(2) The Minister shall not approve of any scheme unless
he is satisfied that—

(a) the size of the area is such that the housing
conditions therein can be remedied within a
reasonable period;

(b) the financial resources of the Authority are or will
be sufficient for the purpose of carrying into effect
such scheme;

(c) in so far as suitable accommodation available
for the persons of the working classes who will
be displaced by the steps the Authority propose
to take for the clearance and development of the
area does not exist, the Authority will provide,
or secure the provision of, such accommodation
in advance of the displacements which will from
time to time become necessary as these steps
are taken.

14. (1) Upon notification to the Authority of the approval of
the Minister of any scheme, the Authority shall forthwith publish
in the Gazette and in a local daily newspaper a notice stating that
the scheme has been approved and naming a place where a copy
of the plan and particulars thereof may be inspected, and in the
case of a redevelopment scheme serve a like notice on every person
who gave notice of his objection to the scheme.

(2) Where after a scheme has been approved, it appears
to the Authority that any land in the area (that is to say the defined
area or so much thereof as is composed in the scheme approved)
ought to be redeveloped or used otherwise than as indicated in the
scheme, the Authority shall prepare and submit for the approval of
the Minister a new scheme as respects that land.

(3) In the following provisions of this Act references to
redevelopment or use in accordance with a scheme shall be
construed as references to a scheme approved under this section,
or, in the case of land comprised in a new scheme approved under
this section, in accordance with the new scheme.

Provision of
accommodation
for persons
displaced.

Notification of
approval of
scheme.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

24 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

PART IV

EFFECTS AND OBLIGATIONS CONSEQUENT
UPON AN APPROVED SCHEME

15. (1) Where as respects any area declared by the Authority
to be a slum clearance area and included in a slum clearance scheme
approved of by the Minister in the manner hereinbefore provided,
the Authority shall determine to order any buildings in the area to
be demolished, they shall make an order (in this Act referred to as
a “demolition order”) ordering the demolition of each of those
buildings, and the Authority shall forthwith publish in a local daily
newspaper a copy of the order, and upon such publication the order
shall become operative.

(2) When a demolition order has become operative the
owner or owners of any building to which the order applies shall
demolish that building before the expiration of two months from
the date on which the building is required by the order to be vacated,
or, if it is not vacated until after that date, before the expiration of
two months from the date on which it is vacated or, in either case,
before the expiration of such longer period as in the circumstances
the Authority may deem reasonable; and, if the building is not
demolished before the expiration of that period, the Authority shall
enter and demolish the building and sell or otherwise dispose of
the materials thereof.

(3) Any expenses incurred by the Authority under
subsection (2), after giving credit for any amount realised by the
sale of materials, may be recovered by them as a simple contract
debt from the owner of the house or, if there is more than one
owner from the owners thereof in such shares as the Court may
determine to be just and equitable; and any owner who pays to the
Authority the full amount of their claim may in the like manner
recover from any other owner such contribution, if any, as the Court
may determine to be just and equitable.

(4) Any surplus in the hands of the Authority shall be
paid by them to the owner of the house, or if there is more than one
owner, shall be paid as those owners may agree. If there is more
than one owner and the owners do not agree as to the division of

Demolition
order.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 25

the surplus, the Authority shall be deemed by virtue of this
subsection to be trustees of the surplus for the owners of the house,
and the provisions of the Trustee Ordinance (which relate to
payment into Court by trustees) shall have effect accordingly.

(5) The Court, in determining for the purposes of this
section the shares in which any expenses shall be paid or contributed
by, or any surplus shall be divided between two or more owners of
a house, shall have regard to their respective interests in the house,
their respective obligation and liabilities in respect of maintenance
and repair under any covenant or agreement, whether expressed
or implied, and all the other circumstances of the case.

16. (1) When a demolition order has become operative no
land to which the order applies shall be used for building purposes,
or otherwise developed, except subject to such restrictions and
conditions, if any, as the Authority may think fit to impose.
However, an owner who is aggrieved by a restriction or condition
so imposed on the user of his land, or by a subsequent refusal of
the Authority to cancel or modify any such restriction or condition,
may at any time appeal by notice in writing to a Judge who shall
determine the matter summarily and make such order in the matter
as he thinks proper, and his decision shall be final.

(2) A person who commences, or causes to be
commenced, any work in contravention of a restriction or condition
imposed under this section is liable, on summary conviction, to a
fine of one hundred dollars in respect of each day during which
the work exists in such a form and state as to contravene the
restriction or condition.

17. (1) Notwithstanding the publication of a notice by the
Authority in accordance with section 20, the owner of any land or
buildings specified in such notice may, with the permission of the
Authority and the approval of the Minister, undertake for himself
the clearance and reconstruction of the land and buildings so
specified or the redevelopment thereof subject to the provisions
hereinafter contained.

Ch. 8. No. 3.
(1950 Ed.).

Use of land in
respect of which
a demolition
order has been
made.
[3 of 1962].

Owner of land
and buildings
may be
permitted to
carry out slum
clearance
scheme or
redevelopment
scheme.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

26 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

(2) Any application for such permission with full
particulars accompanied by plans shall be made by the owner in
writing addressed to the Authority within four weeks of the date of
publication of the notice by the Authority. The Authority shall as
soon as practicable after the receipt of such application consider
the same at a meeting of the Authority and shall by resolution
passed at such meeting either refuse or accept the application. The
resolution together with the application shall be submitted to the
Minister who may either reject the application or grant same with
such modifications (if any) as he may think fit.

(3) If the application is granted, the owner shall within
four weeks of the date of his being notified of the granting of his
application, enter into a bond with one or more sureties to be
approved by the Authority in a sum not less than the estimated
cost of clearance and reconstruction of the land and buildings or
the redevelopment thereof, as the case may be, specified in the
application as approved by the Minister, which said bond shall be
conditioned that the owner shall pay such sum as aforesaid to the
Authority upon failure to complete the clearance and reconstruction
of the said land and buildings or the redevelopment thereof, as the
case may be, within a period to be specified in the bond and in
accordance with the scheme. However, if the owner of any such
land and buildings fails to complete the clearance and
reconstruction thereof or the redevelopment thereof, as the case
may be, in accordance with the scheme to the satisfaction of the
Authority and within the period specified in the bond, subject to
any variation or extensions approved by the surety or sureties and
the Minister, the Authority may, notwithstanding the enforcement
of the bond, acquire such land and buildings and clear and
reconstruct or redevelop the same in accordance with the provisions
of this Act.

(4) Upon completion by the owner of the clearance and
the reconstruction of the said land or buildings or the
redevelopment thereof, as the case may be, to the satisfaction of
the Authority, the Authority shall, at the expense of the owner,
cause the notice published by the Authority in accordance with
section 14 to be amended by the publication of an amending notice
deleting from the first mentioned notice the land and buildings
specified in the bond.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 27

(5) Where the Authority are satisfied that, for the purpose
of enabling the clearance and reconstruction of land and buildings
or the redevelopment thereof, as the case may be, to be carried out
in accordance with proposals which have been submitted as
aforesaid and in respect of which the Authority have given notice
of their satisfaction, it is necessary that any dwelling house to which
the Rent Restriction Act applies should be vacated, and that suitable
alternative accommodation is available for a tenant or will be
available for him at a future date, the Authority may issue to the
landlord a certificate that such suitable alternative accommodation
is available for the tenant or will be available for him by such
future date, and a certificate so issued shall, for the purposes of the
Rent Restriction Act, be binding on the Court to order the recovery
of possession of any such dwelling house.

18. (1) Any owner of a dwelling house, which is occupied or
of a type suitable for occupation, by persons of the working class
and in respect of which works of improvement (otherwise than by
way of decoration or repair but including fittings and fixtures) or
structural alteration are proposed to be executed, may submit a list
of the proposed works to the Authority with a request in writing
that the Authority shall inform him whether in their opinion the
house would, having due regard to the nature of its site and its
relationship to the arrangements of existing roads, after the
execution of those works, or of those works together with any
additional works, be in all respect fit for human habitation and
would, with reasonable care and maintenance, remain so fit for a
period of at least five years.

(2) As soon as may be after receipt of such a list and
request as aforesaid the Authority shall take the list into
consideration and inform the owner whether they are of opinion
as aforesaid or not, and in a case where they are of that opinion,
shall furnish him with a list of the additional works (if any)
appearing to them to be required.

(3) Where the Authority have stated that they are of
opinion as aforesaid and the works specified in the list submitted
to them, together with any additional works specified in a list

Ch. 59:50.

Certificates as to
the condition of
houses and
exemption from
slum clerance
area.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

28 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

furnished by them, have been executed to their satisfaction, they
shall, on the application of any owner of the house, issue to him a
certificate that the house is in all respects fit for human habitation
and will with reasonable care and maintenance remain so fit for a
period (being a period of not less than five years nor more than ten
years) to be specified in the certificate.

(4) During the period specified in a certificate given under
this section no action shall be taken under this Act with a view to
the demolition of the house as being unfit for human habitation
and its reconstruction as part of a slum clearance area.

19. (1) If it appears to a Judge on the written application of
any owner of a house in respect of which a notice requiring the
execution of works has been served, or a demolition order has
been made, that owing to the default of any other owner of the
house in executing any works required to be executed on the house,
or in demolishing the house, the interests of the applicant will be
prejudiced, the Judge may make an order empowering the applicant
forthwith to enter on the house, and, within a period fixed by the
order, execute the said works or demolish the house, as the case
may be; and where it seems to the Judge just to do so, he may
make a like order in favour of any other owner.

(2) Before an order is made under this section notice of
the application shall be given to the Authority and to any other
owner who may be affected by the order.

(3) Proceedings under this section shall be determined
by the Judge in a summary manner, and any order made by him
shall be final.

PART V

ACQUISITION AND COMPENSATION

20. (1) Where by this Act the Authority is authorised to
acquire land or buildings, or any estate or interest therein, such
acquisition may, subject to the provisions of this Act, be by way of
gift or may be effected by private treaty or compulsorily under the
Land Acquisition Act, and the provisions of section 10(2) and

Judge may
empower owner
to execute
works on default
of another
owner.
[3 of 1962].

Acquisition of
land, etc., by
Authority.
[3 of 1962
28 of 1994].

Ch. 58:01.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 29

Part II of the First Schedule to the said Act shall, subject to the
provisions of this Act, apply in relation to any such contemplated
acquisition or to any such compulsory acquisition.

(2) Nothing in this section shall authorise the compulsory
acquisition of any land or building, or any estate or interest therein,
which is the property of statutory undertakers, having been acquired
by them for the purposes of their undertaking.

21. (1) Any land or buildings, or any estate or interest therein,
within a slum clearance area or any part thereof which are intended
to be acquired by the Authority for the purposes of this Act may be
acquired compulsorily after the expiration of twenty-eight days
from the first publication of the notice as required by section 14(1).

(2) In the case of land or buildings, or any estate or interest
therein, intended to be acquired by the Authority for the purposes
of a housing scheme or a redevelopment scheme, it shall be the
duty of the Authority, within the appropriate period specified in
this subsection, either to enter into agreements for the purchase of
the same or to acquire the same compulsorily.

(3) Subsection (2) shall not apply to land or buildings in
respect of which the Authority have, within the approved period
as aforesaid, made arrangements with other persons for securing
the use of the land in accordance with a redevelopment scheme.

(4) The appropriate period for the purposes of this
subsection (2) shall be—

(a) in the case of land shown in the plan for the
housing scheme or redevelopment scheme, as the
case may be, as intended for the provision of
houses for the working class, six months from
the date when the approval of the Minister of the
appropriate scheme becomes operative;

(b) in the case of other land in the redevelopment
area, two years from that date,

and in either case such extended period as the Minister may on the
application of the Authority allow in respect of any land. The

Part II.
First Schedule.

Acquisition of
land, etc., by
Authority for
purposes of
approved
schemes.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

30 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

obligations imposed on the Authority by this section shall not apply
with respect to any land or building, or estate or interest therein,
referred to in section 20(2).

22. (1) Whenever proceedings are taken under the
Land Acquisition Act, the provisions of that Act shall, subject
to the special provisions hereinafter contained, apply in
assessing compensation.

(2) In assessing the amount of compensation payable to
the owners of land and buildings acquired by the Authority under
the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, regard shall be had to
the following provisions, namely:

(a) in the case of land with buildings thereon which
are unfit for human habitation or are dangerous
or injurious to the health of the inhabitants of the
area, the compensation payable shall be the value
at the time when the valuation is made of the site
as a cleared site available for development without
regard to any buildings existing thereon;

(b) in the case of land with buildings thereon in
respect of which sanitary defects exist but which
are not otherwise unfit for human habitation or
dangerous or injurious to the health of the
inhabitants of the area, the compensation payable
shall be the site value as aforesaid together with
the value of the buildings at their market value
after deducting such amount as would be required
to abate the sanitary defects;

(c) in the case of any other land and building, the
compensation payable shall be the full market
value at the time when the valuation is made.

However, in the case of any dwelling house or other building
which is regarded as dangerous or injurious to health under
paragraphs (a) and (b) only on the ground that by reason of its bad
arrangements in relation to other buildings or the narrowness or
the bad arrangements of the roads the compensation payable shall

Basis for
assessing
compensation:
general
provisions.
[3 of 1962].
Ch. 58:01.

Compensation:
special
provisions.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 31

be as in paragraph (c), unless it is a building constructed or adapted
as, or for the purposes of, a dwelling house or partly for those
purposes and partly for other purposes and part thereof (not being
a part used for other purposes) is by reason of disrepair or sanitary
defects unfit for human habitation.

(3) In assessing the amount of compensation payable to
the owners of land and buildings acquired by the Authority under
the Land Acquisition Act for any area within a redevelopment
scheme there may be taken into consideration any undertaking
given by the Authority with respect to the time within which, and
the manner in which, the redevelopment or any part thereof is to
be carried out and any increased value which will be given to other
premises of the same owner.

(4) In determining for the purposes of this Act whether a
house is fit for human habitation, regard shall be had to the extent,
if any, to which by reason of disrepair or sanitary defects the house
falls short of the provisions of any bye-laws in operation in the
district in which the house is situate.

(5) The owner of any building which is regarded as unfit
for human habitation shall be entitled on making a request in writing
to be furnished by the Authority with a statement in writing of
their reasons for deciding that the building is so unfit.

23. (1) Where as respects a dwelling house acquired by the
Authority under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act for
any of the purposes of this Act as being unfit for human habitation,
the Minister is satisfied, after causing the house to be inspected by
a Medical Officer of Health that, notwithstanding its sanitary
defects, it has been well maintained, the Minister may give
directions for the making by the Authority of a payment under this
section in respect of the house as provided below.

(2) A payment under this section shall be of an amount
equal either—

(a) to the amount by which the aggregate expenditure
which is shown to the satisfaction of the Authority

Ch. 58:01.

Payments in
respect of well
maintained
houses.
[3 of 1962].
Ch. 58:01.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

32 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

to have been incurred in maintaining the house
during the five years immediately before the date
on which the order was made exceeds an amount
equal to one and one-quarter times the rateable
value of the houses, or

(b) to one and half times, or, if at that date the house
is occupied by an owner thereof and has been
owned and occupied by him or a member of
his family continuously during the three years
immediately before that date, three times, the
rateable value of the house, whichever is the
greater. A payment under this section shall not
in any case exceed the difference between the
full value of the house (that is to say the amount
which would have been payable as
compensation if it had been acquired
compulsorily but not as unfit for human
habitation) and the site thereof (that is to say
the amount which is payable as compensation
by virtue of its being acquired compulsorily as
being unfit for human habitation, or which
would have been so payable if it had been so
acquired), and any question as to such value
shall be determined, in default of agreement,
as if it had been a question of disputed
compensation arising on such a purchase.

(3) A payment under this section shall be made—
(a) if the house is occupied by an owner thereof to

him; or
(b) if the house is not so occupied to the person or

persons liable under any written law, covenant
or agreement to maintain and repair the house,
and if more than one person is so liable, in such
shares as the Authority think equitable in
the circumstances,

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 33

but if any other person satisfies the Authority that the good
maintenance of the house is attributable to a material extent to
work carried out by him or at his expense, the Authority may, if it
appears to them to be equitable in the circumstances, make
payment, in whole or in part, to that person.

(4) In this section the expression “rateable value” means
in relation to a house the value which, in the assessment list in
force at the date on which the order is made, is shown on that date
as the rateable value of the house.

24. The Authority may pay to any person displaced from any
dwelling house or other building in a slum clearance area or a
redevelopment area, as the case may be, which has been purchased
by them under the provisions of this Act as being unfit for human
habitation and not capable at reasonable expense of being rendered
so fit, such reasonable allowance as they think fit towards his
expense in removing; and, to any person carrying on any trade or
business in any such dwelling house or other building, they may
also pay such reasonable allowance as they think fit towards the
loss which, in their opinion, he will sustain by reason of the
disturbance of his trade or business consequent on his having to
quit the house or building and in estimating that loss they shall
have regard to the period for which the premises occupied by him
might reasonably have been expected to be available for the purpose
of his trade or business and the availability of other premises
suitable for that purpose.

25. (1) The Minister may make such Order as he thinks fit in
favour of any owner of any land included in any approved scheme
or order for the allowance of reasonable expenses properly incurred
by the owner in opposing the scheme or order.

(2) All expenses of any person to such amount as may be
allowed to him by the Minister in pursuance of the aforesaid power
shall be deemed to be expenses incurred by the Authority under
this Act, and shall be paid to that person in such manner and at
such times, and either in one sum or by instalments, as the Minister
may order.

Power of
Authority to
make
allowances to
certain persons
displaced.
[3 of 1962].

Provisions as to
costs of persons
opposing
schemes or
orders.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

34 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

PART VI

COMPLETION OF SCHEMES AND CONSEQUENTIAL
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY

26. (1) It shall be the duty of the Authority, who are hereby
empowered to do so, to take steps for carrying into execution any
scheme after such scheme has been approved by the Minister within
such time as may be specified in such scheme or within such further
time as may be allowed by the Minister.

(2) The Authority may in like manner and for the purposes
of such scheme lay out, pave, sewer and complete all such roads
upon the land acquired by them; and all roads so laid out and
completed if situated within the jurisdiction of a Local Authority
shall thenceforth be public roads repairable by the Local Authority.

(3) Subject to the approval of the Minister the Authority
may also engage with any person to carry the whole or any part
of the scheme into effect upon such terms as the Authority may
think expedient.

(4) When and so soon as a scheme has been
substantially completed by the Authority in accordance with
the provisions of this Act, the Authority shall certify that fact
to the Minister and specify the date upon which the buildings
within the area of such scheme or any part thereof were or shall
be ready for habitation.

27. (1) Where any scheme has been approved in accordance
with the provisions of this Act the Authority shall serve on the
occupier of any land or building or any part thereof within the
area of such scheme a notice stating the effect of such scheme
and specifying the date by which the Authority require the
building to be vacated, and requiring him to quit the said land or
the building before the said date or before the expiration of
twenty-eight days from the service of the notice, whichever may
be the later; and if at any time after the date on which the notice
requires the land or building to be vacated any person is in
occupation of the land or building or any part thereof, the
Authority may make complaint to the Magistrate of the district

Authority to
carry out
scheme.
[3 of 1962].

Certificate by
Authority of
completion of
scheme.

Recovery of
possession of
buildings within
areas of
approved
schemes.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 35

within which the land or building is situate and thereupon the
Magistrate shall by warrant in the form set out in the Third
Schedule to the Summary Ejectment Ordinance or in a form to
the like effect, order vacant possession of the land or building or
of any part thereof to be given to the complainants, within such
period as may be determined by the Magistrate, and the Magistrate
may allow any costs and expenses incurred by the Authority under
this section in obtaining possession of any land or building.

(2) Any person who knowing that a scheme in any area
has been approved and applies to any land or building, enters into
occupation of that land or of any of such buildings or any part
thereof after the approval of such scheme in such area or permits
any person to enter into such occupation after that date, is liable,
on summary conviction, to a fine of one thousand dollars and to a
further fine of one hundred dollars for every day or part of a day
on which the occupation continues after conviction.

28. (1) Where any premises in respect of which any order or
scheme under this Act has become operative, form the subject
matter of a lease, either the lessor or the lessee may apply in writing
to a Judge for an order under this section.

(2) Upon any such application as aforesaid, the Judge,
after giving to any sub-lessee an opportunity of being heard, may,
if he thinks fit, make an order for the determination of the lease,
or for the variation thereof, and, in either case, either
unconditionally or subject to such terms and conditions (including
conditions with respect to the payment of money by any party to
the proceedings to any other party thereto by way of
compensation, damages or otherwise) as the Judge may think
just and equitable to impose, regard being had to the respective
rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties under the lease
and all the other circumstances of the case.

(3) In this section the expression “lease” includes an
underlease and any tenancy or agreement for a lease, underlease
or tenancy, whether any such be registered or not, and the
expressions “lessor”, “lessee” , and “sub-lessee” shall be construed
accordingly and as including also a person deriving title under a
lessor, lessee or sub-lessee.

Third Schedule.
Ch. 27. No. 17.
(1950 Ed.).

Power of
Judge
to determine
lease where
premises
demolished.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

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36 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

29. (1) Where the removal or alteration of apparatus
belonging to statutory undertakers on, under, or over land purchased
by the Authority under the provisions of this Act, or on, under, or
a road running over, or through, or adjoining any such land, is
reasonably necessary for the purpose of enabling the Authority to
exercise any of the powers conferred upon them by this Act, the
Authority shall have power to execute works for the removal or
alteration of the apparatus subject to and in accordance with the
provisions of this section.

(2) The Authority shall serve on the undertakers notice in
writing of their intention with particulars of the proposed works
and of the manner in which they are to be executed, and plans and
sections thereof, and shall not commence any works until the
expiration of a period of twenty-eight days from the date of service
of the notice, and the undertakers may within that period by notice
in writing served on the Authority—

(a) object to the execution of the works or any of
them on the ground that they are not necessary
for the purpose aforesaid; or

(b) state requirements to which, in their opinion,
effect ought to be given as to the manner of, or
the observance of conditions in, the execution of
the works, as to the execution of other works for
the protection of other apparatus belonging to the
undertakers or as to the execution of other works
for the provision of substituted apparatus whether
permanent or temporary;

and—
(i) if objection is so made to any works and

not withdrawn, the Authority shall not
execute the works unless they are
determined by arbitration to be so necessary;

(ii) if any such requirement as aforesaid is so
made and not withdrawn, the Authority shall
give effect thereto unless it is determined
by arbitration to be unreasonable.

Provisions as to
apparatus of
statutory
undertakers in
land dealt with
by Authority
under the Act.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 37

(3) The Authority shall make to statutory undertakers
reasonable compensation for any damage which is sustained by
them by reason of the execution by the Authority of any works
under subsection (1) and which is not made good by the provision
of substituted apparatus. Any question as to the right of undertakers
to recover compensation under this subsection or as to the amount
thereof shall be determined by arbitration.

(4) Where the removal or alteration of apparatus
belonging to statutory undertakers, or the execution of works
for the provision of substituted apparatus, whether permanent
or temporary, is reasonably necessary for the purposes of their
undertaking by reason of the stopping up, diversion or alteration
of the level or width of a road by the Authority under powers
exercisable by virtue of this Act, they may, by notice in writing
served on the Authority, require them (at the expense of the
Authority) to remove or alter the apparatus or to execute the
works, and where any such requirement is so made and not
withdrawn, the Authority shall give effect thereto unless they
serve notice in writing on the undertakers of their objection to
the requirement within twenty-eight days from the date of
service of the notice upon them and the requirement is
determined by arbitration to be unreasonable.

(5) At least seven days before commencing any works
which they are authorised or required under the preceding
provisions of this section to execute, the Authority shall, except in
case of emergency, serve on the undertakers notice in writing of
their intention to do so, and the works shall be executed by the
Authority under the superintendence (at the expense of the
Authority) and to the reasonable satisfaction of the undertakers.
However, if within seven days from the date of service on them of
notice under this subsection the undertakers so elect, they shall
themselves execute the works in accordance with the reasonable
directions and to the reasonable satisfaction of the Authority and
the reasonable costs thereof shall be repaid to the undertakers by
the Authority.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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38 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

(6) Any difference arising between statutory undertakers
and the Authority under subsection (5), and any matter which is
by virtue of the preceding provisions of this section to be
determined by arbitration, shall be so determined in the manner
provided by the Arbitration Act.

(7) In this section references to the alteration of apparatus
include references to diversion and to alteration of position or level.

30. (1) The Authority may with the approval of the Minister
by an Order extinguish any public right of way over any land
purchased by them in accordance with the provisions of this Act
but notice of an Order intended to be made under this section shall,
prior to such approval, be published in the Gazette and in a local
daily newspaper at least once in every week for a period of four
weeks, and if any objection thereto is made to the Minister before
the expiration of six weeks from the date of the first publication
thereof, the Minister shall consider such objection before approving
the Order, and he may if he thinks fit, cause a public enquiry into
the matter to be held under the Commissions of Enquiry Act.

(2) Any such Order when approved shall be published in
the Gazette and shall take effect from the date of such publication
or from the date specified in such Order.

(3) Upon the completion by the Authority of the purchase
by them of any land in accordance with this Act all private rights
of ways and all rights of laying down, erecting, continuing and
maintaining any pipes, sewers, drains, wires or cables on, under or
over that land (together with the property in those pipes, sewers,
drains, wires or cables) and all other rights or easements in or
relating to that land shall, except so far as may be otherwise agreed
by the Authority and the person or Authority entitled to the rights
in question, vest in the Authority and any persons who suffer loss
by the vesting of any such rights or property as aforesaid shall be
entitled to be paid by the Authority, compensation to be determined
under and in accordance with the provisions of the Land
Acquisition Act.

Ch. 5:01.

Extinguishment
of ways,
easements, etc.
[3 of 1962].

Ch. 19:01.

Ch. 58:01.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 39

31. (1) The Authority may, for any purpose arising in relation
to the making, enforcement or carrying out of a scheme, by notice
in writing require the owner or occupier of any land or building in
the area to which such scheme relates or is intended to relate or
any person receiving, whether for himself or for another, rent out
of any such land or building, to state in writing to the Authority
within a specified time not less than twenty-one days after being
so required, particulars of the estate, interest or right by virtue of
which he owns or occupies such land or building or receives such
rent (as the case may be) and the name and address, and the estate,
interest or right (so far as they are known to him) of every person
who to his knowledge has any estate or interest in or right over or
in respect of such land or building.

(2) Every person who is required under this section to
state in writing any matter or thing to the Authority and either fails
so to state such matter or thing within the time appointed under
this section or when so stating any such matter or thing makes any
statement in writing which is to his knowledge false or misleading
in a material respect, is liable on summary conviction to a fine of
one thousand dollars.

32. Any person authorised in writing stating the particular
purpose or purposes for which the entry is authorised, by the
Authority or the Minister may at all reasonable times, on giving
twenty-four hours’ notice to the occupier, and to the owner, if the
owner is known, of his intention, enter any house, premises, or
buildings for the purpose of inspecting the same and in particular—

(a) for the purpose of survey or valuation, in the case
of houses, premises or buildings which the
Authority are authorised to purchase compulsorily
under this Act; and

(b) for the purpose of survey and examination, in the
case of a house in respect of which a notice
requiring the execution of works has been served,
or a demolition order, or a clearance order, has
been made; or

Power of
Authority to
require
information as
to ownership of
premises.
[3 of 1962].

Power of entry
for inspection,
etc.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

40 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

(c) for the purpose of survey and examination, where
it appears to the Authority or the Minister that
survey or examination is necessary in order to
determine whether any powers under this Act
should be exercised in respect of the house,
premises or building.

33. Any person who obstructs a Medical Officer of Health or
any officer of the Authority, or any person authorised to enter
houses, premises, or buildings in pursuance of this Act in the
performance of anything which such officer, Authority, or person
is by this Act required or authorised to do, is liable, on summary
conviction, to a fine of one thousand dollars.

34. (1) Where under the powers conferred by this Act the
Authority sell or lease land or buildings, the Authority may
contribute from their funds towards the lawful development thereof;
but as regards any land to be used for the construction of roads, it
shall be a condition of any such contribution that the roads shall
be dedicated to the public.

(2) Any moneys received by the Authority from the
letting, leasing, sale or exchange of any lands or buildings shall
form part of the funds of the Authority.

(3) In giving consent to the sale or exchange of any land
or buildings or any estate or interest therein, in respect of which
the Authority is receiving a contribution, the Minister may reduce
the amount of any contributions payable to the Authority as he
thinks fit.

35. (1) The Authority shall in relation to the letting of houses
observe the requirements specified in the following provisions of
this section.

(2) The Authority shall secure that in the selection of
their tenants a reasonable preference is given to persons of the
working class who are occupying insanitary or overcrowded
houses, have large families or are living under unsatisfactory

Penalty for
obstructing
execution of
Act.
[3 of 1962].

Further powers
of Authority in
relation to sales,
leases or
exchanges.
[3 of 1962].

Conditions to be
observed by the
Authority in
letting houses.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 41

housing conditions except so far as the demand for housing
accommodation in any district on the part of such persons can be
satisfied without such reservation.

(3) In fixing rents the Authority shall take into
consideration the rents ordinarily payable by persons of the working
class in the locality, but may grant to any tenant such rebates from
rent, subject to such terms or conditions, as they may think fit.

(4) The Authority shall from time to time review rents
and make such charges, either of rents generally or of particular
rents, and rebates (if any) as circumstances may require.

(5) The Authority shall make it a term of every letting
that the tenant shall not assign, sublet or otherwise part with the
possession of the premises, or any part thereof except with the
consent in writing of the Authority, and shall not give such consent
unless it is shown to their satisfaction that no payment other than a
rent which is in their opinion a reasonable rent has been, or is to
be, received by the tenant in consideration of the assignment,
subletting or other transaction.

36. All matters of a financial nature relating to the
administration of this Act shall be carried out so far as practicable
in accordance with the powers of the Authority under the Housing
Act, or any Regulations that may be made in that regard under
that Act.

37. All payments required to be made by the Authority for the
purposes of this Act shall be made out of the amounts appropriated
for that purpose by Parliament.

PART VII

GENERAL

38. For the purpose of co-operating with the Authority in the
preparation of or the carrying into effect of a scheme, any public
department or Local Authority may, subject to the approval of the
Minister, enter into agreements for securing that any land which is
under their control, or which is in their occupation or vested in

Application of
Housing Act.
[3 of 1962].
Ch. 33:01.

Payments by
Authority
[3 of 1962].

Power of public
departments,
etc., to make
agreements in
connection with
schemes.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

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42 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

them for public purposes or for the public service, shall, so far as
may be provided by any such agreement, be laid out and used in
conformity with the general objects of the scheme, and any
agreement so made may contain such consequential and incidental
provisions, including provisions of a financial character, as appear
to be necessary or desirable having regard to the contents or
proposed contents of the scheme.

39. (1) Where any person is willing to agree with the
Authority that his land, or any part thereof, shall, so far as his
interest in the land enables him to bind it, be made subject, either
permanently or for a specified period, to conditions restricting
the planning, development, or use thereof in any manner, the
Authority may, if they think fit, enter into an agreement with
him to that effect.

(2) Any agreement entered into under this section shall
be registered in the protocol of deeds in the office of the Registrar
General, and in the event of any land held under the provisions of
the Real Property Act being affected by any such agreement, the
Authority shall notify the Registrar General of the acreage of the
land and the volume and folio of the Register Book relating thereto,
and thereupon the Registrar General shall endorse a memorial of
such agreement on the relevant original State grants and certificates
of title and on the duplicates of such State grants and certificates
of title when produced to him for that purpose.

40. (1) Whenever any scheme under this Act has been
approved and the Authority have acquired any land affected by
the scheme, the Authority shall notify the Registrar General of
any such lands as are held under the provisions of the Real
Property Act stating the acreage and the volume and folio of the
Register Book at which the original State grants or certificates
of title with respect to such land appear and the date of
the acquisition.

(2) On receipt of such notification the Registrar General
shall forthwith endorse a memorial of such acquisition on the
relevant original State grants and certificates of title and on the

Power of
Authority and
owners to enter
into agreements
restricting use of
land.
[3 of 1962].

Ch. 56:02.

Schemes
affecting lands
held under the
Real Property
Act.
[3 of 1962].
Ch. 56:02.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

L.R.O.

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Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 43

duplicates of such State grants and certificates of title when
produced to him for that purpose.

(3) No scheme under this Act shall affect the title of any
land held under the provisions of the Real Property Act until a
memorial of the scheme filed by the Authority has been endorsed
by the Registrar General or the said original State grants and
certificates of title notwithstanding that the duplicates thereof may
not have been endorsed.

(4) A scheme approved under this Act may be carried into
effect notwithstanding the registration of any lis pendens or any
caveat lodged in respect of lands held under the provisions of the
Real Property Act whether such lis pendens or caveat has been
registered either before or after the endorsement of the memorials
referred to in subsections (2) and (3).

41. (1) Any notice, summons, writ or other proceeding at law
or otherwise required to be served on the Authority for any of the
purposes of this Act may be served upon them by delivering it to
their secretary, or by leaving it at their office with some person
employed there, or by sending it by post in a registered letter
addressed to the Authority or their secretary at their office.

(2) Subject to subsection (1), any notice, order or other
document required or authorised to be served under this Act may
be served either—

(a) by delivering it to the person on whom it is to be
served; or

(b) by leaving it at the usual or last known place of
abode of that person; or

(c) by sending it in a prepaid letter addressed to that
person at his usual or last known place of abode,
provided that such place of abode is within a
postal delivery district; or

(d) in the case of an incorporated company or body,
by delivering it to the secretary or clerk of the
company or body at their registered or principal
office or sending it in a prepaid letter addressed
to the secretary or clerk of the company or body
at that office; or

Service of
notices, etc., on
Authority.
[3 of 1962].

Service of
notices, etc., on
other persons.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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44 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

(e) if it is not practicable after reasonable inquiry to
ascertain the name or address of any person on
whom it should be served, by addressing it to him
by the description of “owner” or “lessee” or
“occupier” (or as the case may be) of the premises
(naming them) to which it relates, and by
delivering it to some person on the premises or,
if there is no person on the premises to whom it
can be delivered, by affixing it, or a copy of it, to
some conspicuous part of the premises.

42. (1) Where any application is made under this Act to the
Judge of a Petty Civil Court, the Judge may summon the parties to
appear before him at a time and place to be named in the summons
and upon the appearance of such parties, or in the absence of any
of them, upon proof of the due service of the summons, the Judge
may hear and determine the question at issue and the amount of
any compensation, and for that purpose to examine such parties or
any of them and their witnesses upon oath, and the costs of every
such enquiry shall be at his discretion and he shall settle the amount
of such costs.

(2) There shall be a right of appeal to a Judge of the
High Court in Chambers from any decision of a Judge of the
Petty Civil Court if the appeal is entered within seven days of
the date of such decision.

43. (1) The Authority, with the approval of the Minister, may
make Regulations relating to the following matters:

(a) fixing and from time to time varying the number
of persons who may occupy a dwelling house
which is let by the Authority, and for the
separation of sexes therein;

(b) the use of the dwellings let by the Authority with
a view to the prevention of nuisances and
sanitary defects;

(c) the inspection of houses and land vested in
the Authority;

Summary
procedure.

Regulations.
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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(d) the time, place and manner for the payment of
moneys payable under this Act;

(e) the books and accounts to be kept by the
Authority;

(f) prescribing the forms of mortgages, charges,
leases and other instruments;

(g) generally, for the purpose of carrying out the
provisions of this Act.

(2) Regulations made under this section shall be subject
to affirmative resolution of Parliament.

FIRST SCHEDULE
THE SLUM CLEARANCE AND HOUSING ACT

NOTIFICATION BY COMMISSION UNDER SECTION 6

To THE REGISTRAR GENERAL:
1. No. of application.
2. Name and address of Applicant as stated in the application for the

advance.
3. Particulars of house or houses to be charged with repayment of advances

made to the Applicant.
4. Particulars as to title of land on which house or houses erected.
5. Taxes payable.
6. Insurance.
7. Amount advanced.
8. Rate of interest and dates of payment.
9. Date on which advance to be repaid.

10. Any other conditions.

Dated ....................................., 20 ..............

Chairman,
National Housing Authority.

Section 6(5).
[3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

46 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

SECOND SCHEDULE

TABLE OF CONTRIBUTIONS
(1)

Where the
approved cost of

the dwelling
included the site
as developed—

(2)
The amount of
contribution
payable from

public funds to
the Authority

based on a fixed
annual rental of
$36 shall be—

(3)
The contribution
to be subject to
the following

reduction
namely—

(4)
The amount of

contribution
payable from
public funds
under section

5(2) to a Housing
Association
shall be—

For any increase
over $36 in the

fixed annual
rental, the

contribution in
column (2) shall
be decreased by
25 per cent of
such increase.

Three quarters of
the rate of

contribution
specified in

columns (2) and
(3) hereof.

Exceeds Does not
exceed

$

500
525
550
575
600

$
500
525
550
575
600
for

every
addi-
tional
$25

$
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00

1.00

For the purposes of this Schedule—
“Fixed Annual Rent” means the rent which can reasonably be obtained for the

dwelling as determined by the Minister;
“Approved cost of a dwelling” means the amount accepted by the Minister as

being the proper and reasonable cost of constructing the dwelling including
the cost of acquiring and developing the site if owned by the Authority,
or in the case of a site not owned by the Authority, then the value as
accepted by the Minister of the site, including—

(a) any such expenses as in the opinion of the Minister are
requisite for making the site available for the provision of
houses or flats, being expenses incurred by the Authority or
a Housing Association in the construction or widening of
streets, the construction of sewers or the execution of any
special works rendered necessary by the physical
characteristics of the land; and

(b) any such expenses incurred in respect of other matters as the
Minister may determine to be expenses properly forming part
of the cost of making the site available for that purpose.

Section 5(2).
[16 of 1954
3 of 1962].

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 47

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION

COUNTY COUNCILS (LOCAL AUTHORITIES) ORDER

made under section 2

1. This Order may be cited as the County Councils (Local
Authorities) Order.

*2. County Councils established under the provisions of the
County Councils Act, are hereby declared, for the purposes of the
Slum Clearance and Housing Act, to be Local Authorities for the
areas comprising their respective electoral districts.

* The County Councils Act (Ch. 25:04) has been repealed by section 274 of the Municipal
Corporations Act 1990 (Act No. 21 of 1990) and this Order shall be read in the light of the said
Municipal Corporations Act.

SLUM CLEARANCE AND HOUSING
(PRESCRIBED FORMS) REGULATIONS

made under section 43

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Slum Clearance
and Housing (Prescribed Forms) Regulations.

2. Monthly tenancy agreements between the Authority and
their tenants in respect of premises to be rented for business
purposes shall be in the form in the Schedule.

166/1954.

Citation.

County Councils
declared to be
Local
Authorities.

5/1949.

Citation.

Monthly
tenancy
agreements.
Schedule.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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[Subsidiary] Slum Clearance and Housing (Prescribed Forms) Regulations

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

48 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

SCHEDULE

TRINIDAD.
This Agreement made this ............................... day of ........................... in

the year of Our Lord two thousand and ......................... . Between the National
Housing Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, hereinafter called “the Landlord”,
of the One Part And ............................ of ............................ hereinafter called
“the Tenant” (which expression shall include the person to whom is leased the
premises hereinafter mentioned and the permitted assigns of the tenant and any
other person in actual occupation of the premises with the consent of the tenant).

Whereby it is agreed as follows:
1. The Landlord agrees to let and the Tenant agrees to take as business

premises the building and the curtilage numbered ................ Street at ....................
in the ward of ..................... at the monthly rental of ................... dollars payable
in advance. The tenancy will commence on the ..................... day of ............

2. The rent is payable on the first day of each month to the Authorised
Collector at his place of business; the first of such payments however, as to the
proportionate part thereof in respect of the current month shall be paid on the
signing hereof. The Collector shall issue receipts in the form approved by the
Landlord.

3. The Tenant shall be responsible for payment to the appropriate Water
Authority for all water consumed on the premises.

4. The Tenant shall use the building for business purposes only for
.....................................................................................................................

5. No fires shall be kept in coal pots, nor shall the cooking of food be
done in a manner likely to cause damage to the building.

6. The Tenant shall keep the premises in a clean and wholesome state,
and as often as may be necessary, cause every room in the building to be
thoroughly cleansed and freed from vermin, to the satisfaction of the Landlord.

7. The Tenant shall cause every fixture and fitting of wood, stone or metal,
and every painted surface in every room to be thoroughly cleansed with soap
and water as often as may be requisite.

8. The Tenant shall provide a refuse bin of approved design in which all
refuse shall be stored pending regular collection by the appropriate Authority.
He shall maintain all open spaces free from litter and in an orderly condition.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


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Slum Clearance and Housing (Prescribed Forms) Regulations [Subsidiary]

L.R.O.

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Slum Clearance and Housing Chap. 33:02 49

9. Every drain, closet and sink shall be kept in a good and sanitary
condition, and any defect in any drain, closet, sink, tap or pipe shall be
immediately communicated to the Landlord.

10. The Tenant shall carefully safeguard the buildings against damage. In
the event of wilful damage or of damage caused by the default of the tenants
(excluding any damage due to reasonable wear and tear) he shall be liable for
the cost of making good such damage. The Tenant shall not himself or by his
agent, undertake the making good of any damage, however caused, but shall
report the same to the Landlord who shall arrange for the necessary repairs to
be carried out.

11. Any expenditure incurred in making good such damage as is mentioned
in Clause 10 and certified as such by the Landlord shall be payable by the
Tenant within seven days of the communication thereof in writing to the Tenant
and the sum so certified may in the discretion of the Landlord be made payable
by instalments. The sum or sums payable shall be added to the rent and be
recoverable in the manner provided for the recovery of rent in arrear including
the taking and seizure of the goods and chattels of the Tenant as distress for
arrears of rent; and where the sum so certified is payable by instalments and
default shall be made in the payment of any one or more instalments the whole
sum shall be immediately recoverable in manner hereinabove expressed.

12. The Tenant shall not make or cause or permit to be made on the premises
any excavation which may endanger the stability of the buildings or which may
hold water, nor shall he without the prior consent of the Landlord, remove from
the premises or cause or permit to be removed any earth, rock or gravel.

13. The Tenant shall not make, or cause or permit to be made any alteration
or addition whatsoever to the buildings, or the erection of any additional building
or other structure, or the enclosure of any verandah or gallery, and shall preserve
the keys of the said buildings.

14. The Tenant shall not display, or cause or permit to be displayed on the
premises, any advertisement or public notice without permission from the
Landlord.

15. The Landlord shall be at liberty by its duly appointed servant or agent,
who in common with other persons in the employ of the Landlord shall be
supplied with the proper authority or identification mark of the Landlord, at
any time between the opening hours prescribed by Shop Orders under the Shop
(Hours of Opening and Employment) Act during the existence of the tenancy
agreement to enter into and upon the rented premises for the purpose of inspecting
the state and condition thereof.

Ch. 84:02.

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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[Subsidiary] Slum Clearance and Housing (Prescribed Forms) Regulations

LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

50 Chap. 33:02 Slum Clearance and Housing

16. The Tenant shall not assign, dispose of, under-let or part with the
possession of the entirety or any part of the rented premises without the previous
consent in writing of the Landlord first had and obtained.

17. The Tenant will not suffer or occasion any annoyance to the occupiers
of buildings in the locality, and will preserve the amenities of the said locality.

18. The tenancy may be terminated by either party to this agreement at
any time serving on the other .......................... days’ notice in writing of intention
to terminate the same.

Signed by
in the presence of:
on behalf of the Landlord
in the presence of:

UNOFFICIAL VERSION


UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014

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