Rent Act 1977

85 Interpretation of Part V. E+W

(1) In this Part of this Act, except where the context otherwise requires,—

• “dwelling” means a house or part of a house;

• “lessee” means the person to whom is granted, under a restricted contract, the right to occupy the dwelling in question as a residence and any person directly or indirectly deriving title from the grantee;

• “lessor” means the person who, under a restricted contract, grants to another the right to occupy the dwelling in question as a residence and any person directly or indirectly deriving title from the grantor;

• “register” means the register kept by [F1 president of the rent assessment panel concerned] in pursuance of section 79 of this Act;

• “rent tribunal” [F2 shall be construed in accordance with section 72 of the Housing Act 1980]

• “services” includes attendance, the provision of heating or lighting, the supply of hot water and any other privilege or facility connected with the occupancy of a dwelling, other than a privilege or facility requisite for the purposes of access, cold water supply or sanitary accommodation.

(2) References in this Part of this Act to a party to a contract include references to any person directly or indirectly deriving title from such a party.

(3) Where separate sums are payable by the lessee of any dwelling to the lessor for any two or more of the following:—

(a) occupation of the dwelling,

(b) use of furniture, and

(c) services,

any reference in this Part of this Act to “rent” in relation to that dwelling is a reference to the aggregate of those sums and, where those sums are payable under separate contracts, those contracts shall be deemed to be one contract.

(4) The references in sections 79(3) and 81(2) of this Act to rates, in respect of a dwelling, include references to such proportion of any rates in respect of a hereditament of which the dwelling forms part as may be agreed in writing between the lessor and the lessee or determined by the county court.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words substituted by Housing Act 1980 (c. 51, SIF 61), Sch. 25 Pt. I para. 45(a)

F2 Words substituted by Housing Act 1980 (c. 51, SIF 61), Sch. 25 Pt. I para. 45(b)