Rent Act 1977
1977 c. 42 · Enacted 29 July 1977 · Extends to England and Wales
Annotations to the whole text
Modifications
- C1
Act amended by Matrimonial Homes Act 1983 (c. 19, SIF 49:5). s. 1(6)
- C2
Act excluded by Housing Act 1985 (c. 68, SIF 61), ss. 264(5), 270(3), 276, 286(3), 307, 368(6)
- C3
Act modified by Housing Act 1988 (c. 50, SIF 75:1), s. 36(1)
- C4
Act excluded by Housing Act 1988 (c. 50, SIF 75:1), s. 78(2), Sch. 10 para. 8
- C5
Act modified by S.I. 1990/776, arts. 2(2), 5(2)(c)
- C6
Act excluded by Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8, SIF 123:1), s. 242
- C7
Act applied by National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 (c. 19, SIF 113:2), s. 60(2), Sch. 8 Pt. III para. 19(3)
- C8
Act excluded by Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (c. 88), s. 16(1A) as inserted by Housing Act 1980 (c. 51, SIF 61), Sch. 21 para. 4), Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 123:1), Sch. 20 para. 17, Sch. 28 para. 10 and New Towns Act 1981 (c. 64, SIF 123:3), s. 22; amended by Housing Act 1980 (c. 51, SIF 61), s. 83, Sch. 8 paras. 9, 10
- C9
Functions conferred on rent tribunals under this Act transferred by Housing Act 1980 (c. 51, SIF 61), s. 72(2)(3)
- C10
Act: definition of "statutory tenant" applied (30. 11. 1991) by Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991 (c. 45, SIF 86), s. 22(1), Sch. 4, para. 1(4)(b); S.I. 1991/2508, art. 2
- C11
Act excluded (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 169, Sch. 20, Pt. II para.8; S.I. 1993/2762, art.3
Act excluded (1.10.1998) by 1975 c. 70, Sch. 4 Pt. IV para. 16 (as inserted (1.10.1998) by 1998 c. 38, s. 127, Sch. 13 para. 3 (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1998/2244, art. 4)
Act excluded (25.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 3.7.2000) by 1998 c. 45, s. 23, Sch. 6 para. 5; S.I. 1998/2952, art. 2(2); S.I. 2000/1173, art. 2(c)
Act: transfer of functions (W.) (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/672, art. 2, Sch. 1
- C12
Act (other than Pt. V and ss. 103-106) modified (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 30(4)(a) (with Sch. 9 para. 8, 9, 10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3(1)(a)
- C13
Act excluded (6.4.2006 for E., 16.6.2006 for W.) by Housing Act 2004 (c. 34), ss. 33, 270(4), 270(5)(a) (with s. 38); S.I. 2006/1060, art. 2(1)(a) (with Sch.); S.I. 2006/1535, art. 2(a) (with Sch.)
Contents
- Part I: Preliminary
- Protected and statutory tenancies
- 1Protected tenants and tenancies.
- 2Statutory tenants and tenancies.
- 3Terms and conditions of statutory tenancies.
- Exceptions
- 4Dwelling-houses above certain rateable values.
- 5Tenancies at low rents.
- 5ACertain shared ownership leases.
- 6Dwelling-houses let with other land.
- 7Payments for board or attendance.
- 8Lettings to students.
- 9Holiday lettings.
- 10Agricultural holdings etc.
- 11Licensed premises.
- 12Resident landlords.
- 13Landlord’s interest belonging to Crown.
- 14Landlord’s interest belonging to local authority, etc.
- 15Landlord’s interest belonging to housing association, etc.
- 16Landlord’s interest belonging to housing co-operative.
- 16A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 17Controlled tenancies. Repealed
- 18Regulated tenancies.
- 18AModification of Act for controlled tenancies converted into regulated tenancies.
- 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- Shared accommodation
- 22Tenant sharing accommodation with persons other than landlord.
- Sublettings
- 23Certain sublettings not to exclude any part of sub-lessor’s premises from protection.
- Business premises
- 24Premises with a business use.
- Miscellaneous
- 25Rateable value and meaning of “appropriate day”.
- 26Land and premises let with dwelling-house.
- Part II: Rents Under Controlled Tenancies
- Rent limit
- 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- Part III: Rents under Regulated Tenancies
- Regulation of rent
- 44Limit of rent during contractual periods.
- 45Limit of rent during statutory periods.
- 46Adjustment, with respect to rates, of recoverable rent for statutory periods before registration.
- 47Adjustment, with respect to services and furniture, of recoverable rent for statutory periods before registration.
- 48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 49Notices of increase.
- 50Private street works to count as improvements. Repealed
- Rent agreements with tenants having security of tenure
- 51Protection of tenants with security of tenure.
- 52Protection: special provisions following conversion.
- 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 54Failure to comply with provisions for protection of tenants.
- 55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- Enforcement provisions
- 57Recovery from landlord of sums paid in excess of recoverable rent, etc.
- 58Rectification of rent books in light of determination of recoverable rent.
- General provisions
- 59Adjustment for differences in lengths of rental periods.
- 60Regulations.
- 61Interpretation of Part III.
- Part IV: Registration of Rents Under Regulated Tenancies
- 62Registration areas.
- 63Schemes for appointment of rent officers.
- 64Default powers of Secretary of State.
- Amalgamation schemes
- 64ASection 64A
- New basis for administration of rent officer service
- 64BSection 64B
- 65Rent assessment committees.
- 65ARight of appeal from a rent assessment committee
- 66Register of rents.
- 67Application for registration of rent.
- 67AApplication before 1st April 1994 for interim increase of rent in certain cases where landlord liable for council tax
- 68. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 70Determination of fair rent.
- 70AInterim determination of fair rent on application under section 67A
- 71Amount to be registered as rent.
- 72Effect of registration of rent.
- 72AAmounts attributable to services.
- 73Cancellation of registration of rent.
- 74Regulations.
- 75Interpretation of Part IV.
- Part V: Rents Under Restricted Contracts
- 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- Control of rents
- 77Reference of contracts to ... tribunals and obtaining by them of information.
- 78Powers of ... tribunals on reference of contracts.
- 79Register of rents under restricted contracts relating to dwellings in Wales .
- 79ARegister of rents under restricted contracts relating to dwellings in England
- 80Reconsideration of rent after registration.
- 80AReference before 1st April 1994 for interim increase of rent in certain cases where lessor liable for council tax
- 81Effect of registration of rent.
- 81ACancellation of registration of rent.
- Miscellaneous and general
- 82Jurisdiction of ... tribunals.
- 83Local authorities for Part V.
- 84Regulations.
- 85Interpretation of Part V.
- Part VI: Rent Limit for Dwellings Let by Housing Associations, Housing Trusts and the Housing Corporation
- Registration of rents
- 86Tenancies to which Part VI applies.
- 87Rents to be registrable.
- Rent limit
- 88Rent limit.
- 89. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 91. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- Conversion to regulated tenancies
- 92Conversion of housing association tenancies into regulated tenancies.
- Miscellaneous
- 93Increase of rent without notice to quit.
- 94Recovery from landlord of sums paid in excess of recoverable rent, etc.
- 95Duty of landlord to supply statement of rent under previous tenancy.
- 96Supplemental.
- 97Interpretation of Part VI.
- Part VII: Security of Tenure
- Limitations on recovery of possession of dwelling-houses let on protected tenancies or subject to statutory tenancies
- 98Grounds for possession of certain dwelling-houses.
- 99Grounds for possession of certain dwelling-houses let to agricultural workers, etc.
- 100Extended discretion of court in claims for possession of certain dwelling-houses.
- 101Overcrowded dwelling-houses.
- 102Compensation for misrepresentation or concealment in Cases 8 and 9.
- 102ARestricted application of sections 103 to 106.
- Restricted contracts
- 103Notice to quit served after reference of contract to ... tribunal.
- 104Application to tribunal for security of tenure where notice to quit is served.
- 105Notices to quit served by owner-occupiers.
- 106Reduction of period of notice on account of lessee’s default.
- 106ADiscretion of court in certain proceedings for possession.
- Miscellaneous
- 107Interpretation of Part VII.
- Part VIII: Conversion of Controlled Tenancies into Regulated Tenancies
- Dwelling-houses in good repair and provided with standard amenities
- 108. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 114. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- Miscellaneous
- 115. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 116Consent of tenant.
- 117. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 118Interpretation of Part VIII. Repealed
- Part IX: Premiums, Etc.
- 119Prohibition of premiums and loans on grant of protected tenancies.
- 120Prohibition of premiums and loans on assignment of protected tenancies.
- 121Tenancies which became regulated by virtue of Counter-Inflation Act 1973.
- 122Prohibition of premiums on grant or assignment of rights under restricted contracts.
- 123Excessive price for furniture to be treated as premium.
- 124Punishment of attempts to obtain from prospective tenants excessive prices for furniture.
- 125Recovery of premiums and loans unlawfully required or received.
- 126Avoidance of requirements for advance payment of rent in certain cases.
- 127Allowable premiums in relation to certain long tenancies.
- 128Interpretation of Part IX.
- Part X: Mortgages
- 129Mortgages to which Part X applies.
- 130. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 131Regulated mortgages.
- 132Powers of court to mitigate hardship to mortgagors under regulated mortgages.
- 133. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- 136Interpretation of Part X.
- Part XI: General
- Sublettings
- 137Effect on sub-tenancy of determination of superior tenancy.
- 138Effect on furnished sub-tenancy of determination of superior unfurnished tenancy.
- 139Obligation to notify sublettings of dwelling-houses let on or subject to protected or statutory tenancies.
- Fire Precautions
- 140Modification of Act in relation to fire precautions. Repealed
- Jurisdiction and procedure
- 141County court jurisdiction.
- 142Rules as to procedure. Repealed
- Release from provisions of Act
- 143Release from rent regulation.
- 144Release from restricted contract provisions.
- 145. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
- Miscellaneous
- 146Long tenancies at a low rent.
- 147Restriction on levy of distress for rent. Repealed
- 148Implied term in all protected tenancies.
- Supplemental
- 149Powers of local authorities for the purposes of giving information.
- 150Prosecution of offences.
- 151Service of notices on landlord’s agents.
- 152Interpretation.
- 153Application to Isles of Scilly.
- 154Application to Crown property.
- 155Modifications, amendments, transitional provisions, repeals etc.
- 156Short title, commencement and extent.
- Schedule 1: Statutory Tenancies
- Part I: Statutory Tenants by Succession
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- 6Paragraph 6
- 7Paragraph 7 Repealed
- 8Paragraph 8 Repealed
- 9Paragraph 9
- 10Paragraph 10
- 11Paragraph 11
- 11AParagraph 11A
- Part II: Relinquishing Tenancies and Changing Tenants
- Payments demanded by statutory tenants as a condition of giving up possession
- 12Paragraph 12
- Change of statutory tenant by agreement
- 13Paragraph 13
- No pecuniary consideration to be required on change of tenant under paragraph 13
- 14Paragraph 14
- Schedule 2: Resident Landlords
- Part I: Provisions for Determining Application of Section 12
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 2AParagraph 2A
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- Part II: Tenancies ceasing to fall within section 12
- 6Paragraph 6
- 7Paragraph 7
- Schedule S 3—4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 5: Calculation of Amount of Rates
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- 6Paragraph 6
- Schedule 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 7: Rent Limit for certain Tenancies first regulated by virtue of the Counter-Inflation Act 1973
- Special rent limit
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- Adjustment for repairs, services or rates
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
- Schedule 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 10: Rent Assessment Committees
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 2AParagraph 2A
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- 5AParagraph 5A
- 5BParagraph 5B
- 6Paragraph 6
- 6AParagraph 6A
- 7Paragraph 7
- 7AParagraph 7A
- 8Paragraph 8
- 9Paragraph 9
- 10Paragraph 10 Repealed
- Schedule 11: Applications for Registration of Rent
- Part I: Application Unsupported by Certificate of Fair Rent
- Procedure on application to rent officer
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 3AParagraph 3A
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- 5AParagraph 5A
- 6Paragraph 6
- Determination of fair rent by rent assessment committee
- 7Paragraph 7
- 8Paragraph 8
- 8AParagraph 8A
- 9Outcome of determination of fair rent by appropriate tribunal
- 9AInterim registration of rent
- Maximum Fair Rent
- 9BParagraph 9B
- II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Part III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 14: Conversion of Housing Association Tenancies into Regulated Tenancies
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
- 5Paragraph 5
- 6Paragraph 6 Repealed
- 7Paragraph 7
- 8Paragraph 8
- Schedule 15: Grounds for Possession of Dwelling-Houses Let on or Subject to Protected or Statutory Tenancies
- Part I: Cases in Which Court May Order Possession
- Case 1
- Paragraph
- Case 2
- Case 3
- Case 4
- Case 5
- Case 6
- Paragraph
- Case 7
- Paragraph Repealed
- Case 8
- Case 9
- Paragraph
- Case 10
- Paragraph
- Case 10A
- Part II: Cases in Which Court Must Order Possession Where Dwelling-House Subject to Regulated Tenancy
- Case 11
- Paragraph
- Case 12
- Paragraph
- Case 13
- Paragraph
- Case 14
- Paragraph
- Case 15
- Paragraph
- Case 16
- Paragraph
- Case 17
- Paragraph
- Case 18
- Paragraph
- Case 19
- Paragraph
- Paragraph
- Case 20
- Paragraph
- Part III: Provisions Applicable to Case 9 and Part II of This Schedule
- Provision for Case 9
- 1Paragraph 1
- Provision for Part II
- 2Paragraph 2
- Part IV: Suitable Alternative Accommodation
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- 6Paragraph 6
- 7Paragraph 7
- 8Paragraph 8
- Part V: Provisions applying to Cases 11, 12 and 20
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- Schedule 16: Further Grounds for Possession of Dwelling-Houses let on or subject to Tenancies to which Section 99 applies
- Part: Case I
- Alternative accommodation not provided or arranged by housing authority
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- 6Paragraph 6
- 7Paragraph 7
- Part: Case II
- Alternative accommodation provided or arranged by housing authority
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- Schedule 17: Converted Tenancies: Modification of Act
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
- 5Paragraph 5
- 6Paragraph 6
- 7Paragraph 7
- 8Paragraph 8
- 9Paragraph 9
- 10Paragraph 10 Repealed
- Schedule 18: Allowable Premiums
- Part I: Premium Allowed on Assignment of Tenancy where Premium Lawfully Paid on Grant
- 1Paragraph 1
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- Part II: Premium Allowed under Sections 121 and 127
- 6Paragraph 6
- 7Paragraph 7
- 8Paragraph 8
- 9Paragraph 9
- 10Paragraph 10
- 11Paragraph 11
- Schedule 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 20: Modification of Act in Relation to Fire Precautions
- Steps mentioned in certain notices under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 to count as improvements for certain purposes of this Act Repealed
- 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
- 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
- Cases where rent is increased by virtue of section 28(3)(b) of the Act of 1971 Repealed
- 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
- 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
- Interpretation Repealed
- 5Paragraph 5 Repealed
- Schedule 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- Schedule 23: Consequential Amendments
- 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
- Reserve and Auxiliary Forces (Protection of Civil Interests) Act 1951 (c. 65)
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- 5Paragraph 5
- 6Paragraph 6
- 7Paragraph 7
- 8Paragraph 8
- 9Paragraph 9
- 10Paragraph 10
- 11Paragraph 11 Repealed
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (c. 56)
- 12Paragraph 12
- 13Paragraph 13
- 14Paragraph 14
- 15Paragraph 15
- 16Paragraph 16
- 17Paragraph 17
- 18Paragraph 18
- 19Paragraph 19
- 20Paragraph 20
- 21Paragraph 21 Repealed
- 22Paragraph 22 Repealed
- 29Paragraph 29 Repealed
- 31Paragraph 31 Repealed
- 37Paragraph 37 Repealed
- 39Paragraph 39 Repealed
- Matrimonial Homes Act 1967 (c. 75)
- 40Paragraph 40 Repealed
- 41Paragraph 41 Repealed
- Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (c. 88)
- 42Paragraph 42
- 43Paragraph 43
- 44Paragraph 44
- 45Paragraph 45
- 46Paragraph 46
- 47Paragraph 47 Repealed
- Fire Precautions Act 1971 (c. 40)
- 49Paragraph 49
- 50Paragraph 50
- Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 (c. 56)
- 51Paragraph 51
- 52Paragraph 52 Repealed
- 55Paragraph 55 Repealed
- 56Paragraph 56 Repealed
- Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1972 (c. 62)
- 58Paragraph 58
- 59Paragraph 59 Repealed
- Rent Act 1974 (c. 51)
- 67Paragraph 67
- 68Paragraph 68
- 69Paragraph 69 Repealed
- 71Paragraph 71 Repealed
- Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 (c. 80)
- 72Paragraph 72
- 73Paragraph 73
- 74Paragraph 74
- 75Paragraph 75
- 76Paragraph 76
- 77Paragraph 77
- 78Paragraph 78
- 79Paragraph 79
- 80Paragraph 80
- 81Paragraph 81
- 82Paragraph 82
- 83Paragraph 83
- 84Paragraph 84
- Schedule 24: Savings and Transitional Provisions
- General transitional provisions
- 1Paragraph 1
- Existing statutory tenants
- 2Paragraph 2
- 3Paragraph 3
- 4Paragraph 4
- Tenancies which ended before passing of Counter-Inflation Act 1973 (c. 9)
- 5Paragraph 5
- Protected furnished tenancies
- 6Paragraph 6
- 7Paragraph 7
- 8Paragraph 8
- Regulated tenancies of formerly requisitioned houses
- 9Paragraph 9
- Miscellaneous
- 10Paragraph 10
- 11Paragraph 11
- 12Paragraph 12
- 13Paragraph 13
- 14Paragraph 14
- 15Paragraph 15
- 16Paragraph 16
- 17Paragraph 17
- 18Paragraph 18
- 19Paragraph 19
- 20Paragraph 20
- 21Paragraph 21
- Transitional provisions from Rent Act 1957
- 22Paragraph 22
- 23Paragraph 23
- 24Paragraph 24
- 25Paragraph 25
- 26Paragraph 26
- Savings
- 27Paragraph 27
- 28Paragraph 28
- 29Paragraph 29
- 30Paragraph 30
- 31Paragraph 31
- 32Paragraph 32
- Schedule 25: Repeals