16. (1) Where a local authority, in exercise of its functions under any law directs a landlord to make certain specified repairs to his building and the landlord fails to comply therewith, the tenant may at the direction of the local authority make such repairs. (2) Where a tenant makes any repairs in pursuance of a direction given under sub-section (1), he shall within three months of the completion of repairs submit to the local authority an account of the costs incurred by him, on such repairs and the local authority shall, after due verification, certify such costs, whereupon the tenant shall become entitled to deduct the amount of certified cost from the rent payable by him.