Page:Landholding in England.djvu/177

 ""Two years ago," says the writer, "I purchased a house on the Portman Estate (18 years' lease) at £10, 10s. per annum. I spent more than £300 to put it in tenantable repair, thinking that I should get a renewal at a fair ground rent. I applied, and the agent came to inspect the premises, and a few days afterwards sent me the terms as follows:—Lease for 34 years, ground rent to be £80 instead of £10; fine £1000 renewal, to be paid from the day of application, or £5 per cent, interest on the £1000 from that date, which would be principal and interest for eight years, £1400; improvements to be done, as stated in agreement, amounting to about £500, before a new lease is granted; all Viscount Portman's solicitor's fees to be paid by me. For the simple drawing of this agreement I paid £15. The last year of the 34 years' lease the house to be redecorated throughout; property to be insured by me in the Portman Fire Office. Upon remonstrating at the exorbitant terms, I received a letter from the agent that I could accept them or not, but in the event of my not accepting, I should not have any further opportuntity [sic] of applying.

"Now, sir, what right can the landlord have to take away my house? He has never spent a 1d. towards its improvement. Of course, the ground had increased in value, but that is through the tradespeople and not through the landlord. The ground rent is increased eight times; then what right has the landlord to demand £1400 for a house that I bought, and what right has he to dictate improvements that I have to pay for, so that after the expiration of a few years he may get larger premises, and another larger premium, without him spending a fraction, not even to pay the solicitor for getting the money.""

"Englishwoman," adds: "It seems incredible that people endure such extortion without seeking redress." She hopes the law will be altered—it "beggars tradespeople to enrich the aristocracy."

The meanness of this transaction would do credit to the lowest Jew money-lender. Not only is Englishwoman" to pay Lord Portman £1000 "fine" for taking his house