Housing Act 1985

3 (1) The statutory condition as to residence may at any time be dispensed with by the local authority.

(2) The local authority may allow a proprietor to permit, by letting or otherwise, a house to be occupied as a furnished house by some other person—

(a) during a period not exceeding four months in all in any twelved months, or

(b) during his absence from the house in the performance of any duty arising from or incidental to any office, service or employment held or undertaken by him;

and the statutory condition as to residence is suspended while the permission continues.

(3) Where the proprietor of a house subject to the statutory conditions dies, the condition requiring residence is suspended until th expiration of twelve months from the death, or any earlier date at which the personal representatives transfer the ownership or interest of the proprietor in the course of administration.

(4) Where the proprietor of any such house becomes bankrupt or his estate is administered in bankruptcy under section 130 of the [1914 c. 59.] Bankruptcy Act 1914, and in either case an arrangement under this Schedule is made with the trustee in bankruptcy, the local authority may, if they think fit, suspend the condition as to residence during the continuance of the arrangement.

(5) Where an advance has been made in pursuance of section 7(1) of the [1899 c. 44.] Small Dwellings Acquisition Act 1899 (power to make advance on strength of undertaking to begin residence), the statutory condition requiring residence is suspended during the period allowed before residence must be begun.