Index of defined expressions LTA 1985 s. 39
Reference table of defined expressions in LTA 1985, listing each term and the section where it is defined, such as landlord, tenant, lease, service charge, etc.
The following Table shows provisions defining or otherwise explaining expressions used in this Act (other than provisions) defining or explaining an expression in the same section): address section 38 arbitration agreement, arbitration proceedings and , arbitral tribunal and post-dispute arbitration agreement section 38 co-operative housing association section 38 dwelling section 38 dwelling-house (in the provisions relating to repairing obligations) section 16 fit for human habitation section 10 flat (in the provisions relating to service charges) section 30 housing association section 38 landlord— (generally) section 36(3) (in sections 1 and 2) section 1(3) (in the provisions relating to rent books) section 4(3) (in the provisions relating to service charges) section 30 (in relation to a statutory tenancy) section 37(b) lease, lessee and lessor— (generally) section 36 (in the provisions relating to fitness for human habitation of dwellings in England) section 9A(9) (in the provisions relating to repairing obligations section 16 local authority section 38 local housing authority section 38 new town corporation section 38 protected tenancy section 38 qualified accountant (for the purposes of section 21(6 section 28 registered social landlord section 38 recognised tenants’ association section 29 relevant costs (in relation to a service charge) section 18(2) restricted contract section 38 service charge section 18(1) statutory tenant section 37(a) tenancy and tenant— (generally) section 36 (in sections 1 and 2) section 1(3) (in the provisions relating to rent books) section 4(3) (in the provisions relating to service charges) section 30 urban development corporation section 38
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 39 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is a table of defined expressions. It lists every term that is defined elsewhere in the Act and shows the section where that definition appears.
For example, 'landlord' is defined in section 36(3) generally, and in other sections for specific contexts like rent books (section 4(3)) or service charges (section 30). This table helps you find the meaning of key terms like 'service charge', 'dwelling', 'lease', and 'statutory tenant'.
It does not create any rights or obligations; it is purely a reference tool. To understand a term, you must go to the section listed next to it.
When it applies
- You are reading a lease and need to know what 'service charge' means under the Act.
- You are a tenant arguing about repairs and want to check the definition of 'dwelling-house' in section 16.
- You are a solicitor looking up the definition of 'landlord' for a rent book dispute.
- You are a housing officer checking the definition of 'housing association'.
- You are a student studying the LTA 1985 and need to locate all definitions.
What this section does not say
- This section does not provide the actual definitions of the terms; it only lists where they are defined.
- It does not define what a 'statutory tenancy' is; that is in section 37.
- It does not tell you the meaning of 'fit for human habitation'; that is in section 10.
- It does not create any legal duties; it is an index.
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This page reproduces the text of LTA 1985 s. 39 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.