The exceptions specified in paragraphs 8, 9 and 10 may not be relied upon unless the condition in sub-paragraph (2) is met.

The condition is that, before payment of the holding deposit, information within sub-paragraph (3) has been provided to the contract-holder by either the landlord or (if one has been instructed by the landlord in relation to the contract) the letting agent.

Information within this sub-paragraph is information specified in, or of a description specified in, regulations.

Information is not to be treated as having been provided to the contract-holder, for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), unless it has been provided in whatever way (if any) is specified in the regulations.

In a case where a landlord has instructed a letting agent in relation to a contract, the exception in paragraph 9 may, in addition, not be relied upon unless the agent takes all reasonable steps to assist the landlord to enter into a contract before the deadline for agreement.