(2)Where any repairs in relation to a matter falling under Part A of Schedule V without which the premises are not habitable or useable except with undue inconvenience are to be made and the landlord neglects or fails to make them within a period of three months after notice in writing, the tenant may apply to the Controller for permission to make such repairs himself and may submit to the Controller an estimate of the cost of such repairs, and, the Controller, may, after giving the landlord an opportunity of being heard and after considering such estimate of the cost and making such inquiries as he may consider necessary, by an order in writing, permit the tenant to make repairs at such cost as may be specified in the order and it shall thereafter be lawful for the tenant to make such repairs himself and to deduct the cost thereof, from the rent or otherwise recover it from the landlord:Provided that the amount so deducted or recoverable from rent in any year shall not exceed one-half of the rent payable by the tenant for that year and any amount remaining not recovered in that year shall be deducted or recovered from the rent in the subsequent years at the rate of not more than twenty-five percent of the rent for a month:Provided further that where there are more than one premises owned by a landlord in a building, the tenants thereof may jointly carry out the repairs and share the expenses proportionately.
