Section 20B — Housing Act 1988: Demoted assured shorthold tenancies

Demoted assured shorthold tenancies 20B 1 An assured tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy to which this section applies (a demoted assured shorthold tenancy) if—

a the tenancy is created by virtue of an order of the court under section 82A of the Housing Act 1985 or section 6A of this Act (a demotion order),

and b the landlord is a private registered provider of social housing or a registered social landlord.

2 At the end of the period of one year starting with the day when the demotion order takes effect a demoted assured shorthold tenancy ceases to be an assured shorthold tenancy unless subsection (3) applies , but see section 20C .

3 This subsection applies if before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (2) the landlord gives notice of proceedings for possession of the dwelling house.

4 If subsection (3) applies the tenancy continues to be a demoted assured shorthold tenancy until the end of the period mentioned in subsection (2) or (if later) until one of the following occurs—

a the notice of proceedings for possession is withdrawn;

b the proceedings are determined in favour of the tenant;

c the period of six months beginning with the date on which the notice is given ends and no proceedings for possession have been brought.

5 Registered social landlord has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996.