The Washington times., 1919-08-19
BEN JOHNSON
DRAWSHARSH
BILL TO CURB
RENT RAISERS

Rent prohteering in the District
Of Columbia is doomed if Congress
man Ben johnson of Kentucky sue
ceeds in driving through the House
and Senate an anti-rent profteering
bill which he has drafted to be intro
duced, probably tomorrow.
More than two years ago Mr.. John
son launched his drive against rent
profteering in the District. He has
never let up. The contest became
so intense last summer that he got
''in bad" with certain members of
the Senate. -.--.-
Bill Sidetracked.
His own bill was side-tracked for
the so-caIled Pomerene bill, which he
charges was drafted by the alleged
rent profiteers themselves. Mr. John
son has got his second wind, and now
offers a bill more drastic than any yet
drawn. .--.--....
I'VE are approaching a crisis and
members Of Congress realize it," Mr..
Johnson said today. Fl feel certain
that my bill. with possibly some slight
changes viii pass.
II am following the suggestion of
the President, who said it would be
good thing to exact an income tax
from profiteers il profiteering you
would stop"
A rent administrator to be appoint
ed by the President, is provided for
in the Johnson bill.
Here are the main provisions of
the measure to be enforced by the
rent administrator:
Provisions Of Bill.
Impose an income tax Of 100 per
cent on rents collected since Septem-
Der 80, 1916. which exceeded the av-
eTage rent for the twelve months end
ing on, that date.
A deduction Of 10 per cent is al
lowed to cover necessary improve
ments. Certain other deductions are
also allowed.
On or before January TO- 1920,
true and accurate return shall be
made, under oath, by every person
subject to the tax, setting forth the
gross income from rents and leases
since April /, 1917.
Taxes on such income will become
payable on or before February 10,
1920, and monthly reports shall be
made thereafter.
100 Per Cent Extra Fine.
Failure to make a return will sub
ject the income to an additional in
come tax Of 100 per cent penalty.
The tax and penalties levied and
made payable by any of the provis-
ions of the act, are made a superior
lien on the property, both real and
personal.
There shall be included in the re-
turn the names and addresses of all
tenants, SC as to provide a checking
up, should they be forced by high
rents TO leave the city.
All books, papers, or accounts re-
lating to the business or income Of
persons affected by this act are sub
ject to examination at any. time by
the Rent Administrator or his agents
and witnesses may be called to tes-
ttfy on oath as to their correctness.
Excess Rents UnenfOreeabIe.
All leases, contracts and agree
ments, expressed or implied, provid-
ing for a larger amount or higher
rate than fixed by the bill are del
clared to be contrary to public policy
and unenforceable.
All hotels, apartment houses, room
ing houses, and other rental property
must have displayed conspicuously an
official card setting forth. the legal
rate to be charged for such quarters.
Any person, or corporation charging
more than the legal rate will pay 100
per cent penalty.
Any person charged more than the |
legal rate may recover such excess !
charges and lawyers fee OF not less
than $50. Such action must be insti- |
tuted within five years from the time |
Of the commission Of the offenss all
legged
No Shifting of Expense.
Should a landlord seek to transfer |
TO a tenant any burden or liability |
previously borne by the landlord or /
lessor, it shall be treated as an alter
alton or rent, or an Increase.
The bili also gives the President !
authority to commander any real |
estate in the District of Columbia |
and put IL to such use as the Presi- |
dent may deem best for the public |
good.
An appropriation Of $4,000 is car
ried in tho measure FOR its admins
tration. The rent administrators sal
AIRY is fixed at $4,000 per year. His
assistant would receive a salary not
TO exceed $500. Field men and cler-
ical help is also provided for.
All income taxes collected from
rent profiteers would be paid into
the treasury Of the District OF Co
lumbia.
Cheaper to Reduce Rents.
II landlords in the District are forced
to turn into the District treasury all
sums collected for rents that exceed