Subsection (1) provides that the commencement of Chapter 1 of Part 1 (where an existing tenancy becomes a section 4A assured tenancy) does not affect the continuation of an existing tenancy on and after the commencement date (as a "section 4A assured tenancy" that is subject to the other provisions of that Chapter). This is to prevent any interpretation that the transition of an existing tenancy into a section 4A assured tenancy is such a significant change so as to end the tenancy. Subsection (2) introduces Schedule 6 which contains transitional provision relating to the application of Chapter 1 of Part 1 to existing tenancies.
	Subsection (3) defines "the commencement date", as a date appointed by the Secretary of State by regulations on which Chapter 1 of Part 1 comes into force in accordance with section 145 in relation to a particular assured tenancy. In practice, this means that the commencement date will be the same day for most assured tenancies in line with the provision in section 145, subsection (8). It will be from that date that the changes brought about by Chapter 1 of Part 1 will apply to those tenancies (subject to the transitional provisions in Schedule 6). It is possible that a different commencement date or dates will apply to social housing assured tenancies. Subsection (3) also defines an existing tenancy as an assured tenancy which is entered into before the commencement date and a section 4A assured tenancy as an assured tenancy to which section 4A of the 1988 Act (as inserted by section 1 of this Act) applies.
Part 5: General Section 146 Existing assured tenancies to continue as section 4A assured tenancies Effect