Part 10Letting by local authorities of vacant high-street premises
Procedure for letting
I1204Power to contract for tenancy
1
Subsection (2) applies if—
a
a final letting notice served by the authority is in force in relation to the premises,
b
the period of 42 days beginning with the day on which that notice took effect has elapsed,
c
a rental auction has been carried out in respect of qualifying high-street premises, and
2
The local authority that served the notice may enter into a tenancy contract with the successful bidder in the auction (as identified in accordance with regulations under section 203).
3
A “tenancy contract” is a contract under which—
a
the landlord of the premises agrees to grant, and
b
the successful bidder agrees to take,
a short-term tenancy of the premises (including a contract under which those things are agreed subject to conditions).
4
A contract entered into under this section has effect as if it was entered into by the landlord of the premises instead of the local authority.
5
A local authority is to act under this section in its own name, but with an indication that it is acting so as to bind the landlord rather than itself.
6
As soon as possible after entering into a contract under this section, the local authority must provide a signed copy of it to the landlord.