1(1)The introductory period, in relation to an occupation contract which is a periodic standard contract because the first exception in section 11 or 12 applies and because it is within paragraph 3 of Schedule 3, is—E+W
(a)the period of 12 months starting with the introduction date of the contract, or
(b)if there is an extension under paragraph 3, the period of 18 months starting with the introduction date of the contract.
(2)Sub-paragraph (3) applies instead of sub-paragraph (1) if, at the end of what would be the introductory period under sub-paragraph (1)—
(a)a possession claim made by the landlord in respect of the dwelling has not been concluded, or
(b)the landlord has given the contract-holder a possession notice or a notice under section 173 (landlord's notice to end contract), and the period before the end of which the landlord may make a possession claim has not ended.
(3)Where this sub-paragraph applies, the introductory period is the period starting with the introduction date of the contract and ending—
(a)when a relevant event occurs, or
(b)if no relevant event occurs, immediately after the contract ends.
(4)In a case within sub-paragraph (2)(a) the relevant event is the conclusion of the possession claim in favour of the contract-holder.
(5)In a case within sub-paragraph (2)(b) each of the following is a relevant event—
(a)withdrawal of the notice;
(b)the period ending without a possession claim having been made;
(c)conclusion in favour of the contract-holder of a possession claim made in reliance on the notice.
(6)If a private landlord becomes the landlord under the contract before the time at which the introductory period would end apart from this sub-paragraph, the introductory period ends.
(7)The introduction date of an occupation contract is (subject to paragraph 2)—
(a)the occupation date of the contract, or
(b)if the contract became a periodic standard contract because the first exception in section 12 applied and because it was within paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 on a community landlord becoming the landlord under the contract, the day the community landlord became the landlord.
Commencement Information
I1Sch. 4 para. 1 in force at 1.12.2022 by S.I. 2022/906, art. 2