Title, commencement, and extent HA 1988 s. 141
HA 1988 s. 141 sets the short title of the Housing Act 1988, its commencement timeline of two months for Part I, and its extent to England and Wales.
This Act may be cited as the Housing Act 1988. The provisions of Parts II and IV of this Act and sections 119, 122, 124, 128, 129, 135 and 140 above shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument appoint, and different days may be so appointed for different provisions or for different purposes. Part I and this Part of this Act, other than sections 119, 122, 124, 128, 129, 132, 133, 134, 135 and 138 onwards, shall come into force at the expiry of the period of two months beginning on the day it is passed; and any reference in those provisions to the commencement of this Act shall be construed accordingly. An order under subsection (2) above may make such transitional provisions as appear to the Secretary of State necessary or expedient in connection with the provisions brought into force by the order. Parts I, III and IV of this Act and this Part, except sections 118, 128, 132, 134, 135 and 137 onwards, extend to England and Wales only. This Act does not extend to Northern Ireland.
Text in force at .
Source: legislation.gov.uk — The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk), reproduced under licence Open Government Licence v3.0.
What it actually says
Section 141 names the statute the Housing Act 1988. It specifies how and when different parts of the Act come into force, distinguishing between provisions that take effect automatically two months after passing and those requiring an order by the Secretary of State.
The section also defines the geographic reach of the statute. Parts I, III, and IV, alongside this final Part, extend to England and Wales only, with specified exceptions. It explicitly excludes Northern Ireland from its coverage.
When it applies
- Determining whether a dispute in Wales regarding an assured tenancy under Part I falls within the geographic scope of the Act.
- Checking if Part I statutory provisions took effect two months after the Act was passed or required a separate commencement order.
- Confirming that housing management rules under the Housing Act 1988 do not apply to a rented property located in Northern Ireland.
What this section does not say
- Substantive amendments and repeals to other legislation, which are dealt with under section 140.
- Requirements for consent regarding disposals of housing stock, which are governed by section 132 and section 133.
- Codes of practice in the field of rented housing, which are set out under section 137.
Related sections
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This page reproduces the text of HA 1988 s. 141 in force at the date shown and explains it in general terms. It is not legal advice and takes no account of the circumstances of your case, which can change the answer completely. For a live dispute, for limitation periods, and before taking any step in court, consult a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.