Whenever any works or alterations and improvements, of which the municipality is authorised by this Act to require the execution, are executed by the occupier on the requisition of the municipality, or are executed by the municipality and cost thereof is recovered from the occupier, the cost thereof may, if the municipality certify that such cost ought to be borne by the owner, be deducted by such occupier from the next and following payment of his rent due or becoming due to such owner, or may be recovered by him in any court of competent jurisdiction.