This Order provides that the appointment, remuneration and administration of rent officers in England are to be functions of the Secretary of State rather than of local authorities.

Article 2 of the Order abolishes, on 1st October 1999, schemes for rent registration areas in England made under section 63 of the Rent Act 1977.

Article 3 makes provision with respect to the appointment of rent officers in England, which becomes a function of the Secretary of State. Article 4 makes provision with respect to the remuneration of rent officers and the payment of pensions, allowances and gratuities to or in respect of rent officers. Article 5 makes provision with respect to the administration of rent officers.

Article 6 makes provision for specified expenditure to be met by the Secretary of State.

Article 7 makes amendments to the Rent Act 1977.

Article 8 contains transitional, incidental and supplementary provisions.