PART VIII HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

Control orders

179 General effect of control order.

1

While a control order is in force the local authority—

a

have the right to possession of the premises, and

b

have the right to do, and to authorise others to do, in relation to the premises anything which any person having an estate or interest in the premises would, but for the making of the control order, be entitled to do, without incurring any liability to any such person except as expressly provided by this Part.

2

Subject to subsection (3), the local authority may, notwithstanding that they do not, under this section, have an interest amounting to an estate in the premises, create an interest in the premises which, as near as may be, has the incidents of a lease and, subject to the provisions of section (4) and to any other express provision of this Part, any enactment or rule of law relating to landlords and tenants or leases shall apply in relation to any interest created under this section as if the local authority were the owner of the premises.

3

Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 5(6) and 6(1) of Schedule 11, the local authority shall not, in exercise of the power conferred by this section, create any right in the nature of a lease or licence which is for a fixed term exceeding one month, F1or which is terminable by notice to quit (or an equivalent notice) of more than 4 weeks:

Provided that this subsection shall not apply to a right created with the consent in writing of the person or persons who would have power to create that right if the control order were not in force.

4

On the coming into force of a control order any order under section 157, and any notice or direction under sections 160, 161, 162 or 166, shall cease to have effect as respects the house to which the control order applies, but without prejudice to any criminal liability incurred before the coming into force of the control order, or to the right of the local authority to recover any expenses incurred in carrying out any works.

5

References in this Act or in any other enactment to housing accommodation provided or managed by a local authority shall not include references to any house which is subject to a control order, but this subsection shall not be taken as restricting the powers of acquiring land by agreement or compulsorily conferred on local authorities by Part I.