Continuity of the law
3.—(1) A reference (express or implied) in Part I of the 1996 Act or any other enactment, instrument or document to any provision of that Part shall, so far as the context permits, be construed as including, in relation to times, circumstances and purposes before the commencement of that provision, a reference to the corresponding provision of the 1985 Act or any corresponding earlier enactment.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), a reference (express or implied) in Part I of the 1996 Act or any other enactment, instrument or document to registration as a social landlord shall, so far as the context permits, be construed as including, in relation to times, circumstances and purposes before the commencement of section 1 of the 1996 Act, a reference to registration under Part I of the 1985 Act or any corresponding earlier enactment.
(3) Anything done (including subordinate legislation made), or having effect as done, under a provision of the 1985 Act repealed and re-enacted, with or without modifications, by or under Part I of the 1996 Act has effect as if done under the corresponding provision made by or under Part I of the 1996 Act.
(4) A reference (express or implied) in an enactment, instrument or other document to a provision of the 1985 Act repealed and re-enacted, with or without modifications, by or under Part I of the 1996 Act shall be construed, so far as is required for continuing its effect and subject to any express amendment by or under that Part, as being, or as the case may require including, a reference to the corresponding provision made by or under that Part.
(5) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (4), a reference (express or implied) in an enactment, instrument or other document to registration as a housing association shall, so far as the context permits, other than in relation to times, circumstances and purposes before the commencement of section 1 of the 1996 Act, be construed as being, or as the case may require including, a reference to registration as a social landlord.
(6) This article is subject to any transitional provisions or savings made by or under the 1996 Act.