Commentary on Sections Rent decreases
This section inserts a new Article 5C into the 2006 Order. New Article 5C gives to the Department the power to make regulations to introduce a rent decrease of up to 10% or a rent freeze for a maximum period of 4 years. Under paragraph (6) the Department is under a duty to carry out a consultation as to whether it should exercise those powers. A report on the consultation must be prepared and laid before the Assembly within 6 months of the date this Act receives Royal Assent. If the Department does not make regulations under the Article within 12 months of laying the report, the Article (and therefore the power to make the regulations) ceases to have effect.