diff --git a/spec/models/validations/date_validations_spec.rb b/spec/models/validations/date_validations_spec.rb
index 5b9d1a436..75907b5bc 100644
--- a/spec/models/validations/date_validations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/validations/date_validations_spec.rb
@@ -9,15 +9,6 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::DateValidations do
   let(:scheme_no_end_date) { create(:scheme, end_date: nil) }
 
   describe "tenancy start date" do
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 11, 10))
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.return
-    end
-
     it "must be a valid date" do
       record.startdate = Time.zone.local(0, 7, 1)
       date_validator.validate_startdate(record)
diff --git a/spec/models/validations/household_validations_spec.rb b/spec/models/validations/household_validations_spec.rb
index 4254ede6d..20df63fa5 100644
--- a/spec/models/validations/household_validations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/validations/household_validations_spec.rb
@@ -4,16 +4,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
   subject(:household_validator) { validator_class.new }
 
   let(:validator_class) { Class.new { include Validations::HouseholdValidations } }
-  let(:log_date) { Time.zone.now }
-  let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:lettings_log, :setup_completed, startdate: log_date) }
-
-  before do
-    Timecop.freeze(log_date + 1)
-  end
-
-  after do
-    Timecop.return
-  end
+  let(:startdate) { Time.zone.now }
+  let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:lettings_log, :setup_completed, startdate:) }
 
   describe "reasonable preference validations" do
     context "when reasonable preference is not given" do
@@ -59,7 +51,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
       end
 
       context "when form year is before 2024" do
-        let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 1, 1) }
+        let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 1, 1) }
 
         it "does not validate the content of reasonother for phrases indicating homelessness" do
           record.reason = 20
@@ -70,7 +62,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
       end
 
       context "when form year is >= 2024" do
-        let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
+        let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
         context "when checking the content of reasonother" do
           it "validates that the reason doesn't match phrase indicating homelessness" do
@@ -277,7 +269,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_partner_count" do
-    let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+    let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
     it "validates that only 1 partner exists" do
       record.relat2 = "P"
@@ -300,17 +292,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
 
   describe "#validate_person_age_matches_relationship" do
     context "with 2023 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
-
-      before do
-        Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
-
-      after do
-        Timecop.return
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
+      let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       context "when the household contains a person under 16" do
         it "validates that person must be a child of the tenant" do
@@ -334,17 +316,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 2024 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
-
-      before do
-        Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
-
-      after do
-        Timecop.return
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
+      let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       it "does not add an error is person under 16 is a partner" do
         record.age2 = 14
@@ -366,17 +338,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
 
   describe "#validate_person_age_matches_economic_status" do
     context "with 2023 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
-
-      before do
-        Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
-
-      after do
-        Timecop.return
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
+      let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       context "when the household contains a person under 16" do
         it "validates that person's economic status must be Child" do
@@ -411,17 +373,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 2024 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
-
-      before do
-        Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
-
-      after do
-        Timecop.return
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
+      let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       it "does not run the validation" do
         record.age2 = 14
@@ -437,17 +389,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
 
   describe "#validate_person_age_and_relationship_matches_economic_status" do
     context "with 2023 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
-
-      before do
-        Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
-
-      after do
-        Timecop.return
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
+      let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       context "when the household contains a tenant’s child between the ages of 16 and 19" do
         it "validates that person's economic status must be full time student or refused" do
@@ -519,17 +461,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 2024 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
-
-      before do
-        Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
-
-      after do
-        Timecop.return
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
+      let(:startdate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       context "when the household contains a tenant’s child between the ages of 16 and 19" do
         it "does not add an error" do
diff --git a/spec/models/validations/sales/financial_validations_spec.rb b/spec/models/validations/sales/financial_validations_spec.rb
index 316c2d175..6ae34c3df 100644
--- a/spec/models/validations/sales/financial_validations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/validations/sales/financial_validations_spec.rb
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   let(:validator_class) { Class.new { include Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations } }
 
   describe "income validations for shared ownership" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log, ownershipsch: 1) }
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, ownershipsch: 1) }
 
     context "when buying in a non london borough" do
       before do
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_mortgage" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log) }
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log) }
 
     it "adds an error is the mortgage is zero" do
       record.mortgageused = 1
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_percentage_bought_not_greater_than_percentage_owned" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log) }
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log) }
 
     it "does not add an error if the percentage bought is less than the percentage owned" do
       record.stairbought = 20
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_percentage_bought_not_equal_percentage_owned" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log) }
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log) }
 
     context "with 24/25 logs" do
       before do
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_monthly_leasehold_charges" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log) }
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log) }
 
     it "does not add an error if monthly leasehold charges are positive" do
       record.mscharge = 2345
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_percentage_bought_at_least_threshold" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log) }
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log) }
 
     it "adds an error to stairbought and type if the percentage bought is less than the threshold (which is 1% by default, but higher for some shared ownership types)" do
       record.stairbought = 9
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_child_income" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log) }
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log) }
 
     context "when buyer 2 is not a child" do
       before do
@@ -352,17 +352,10 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_equity_in_range_for_year_and_type" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log, saledate: now) }
-
-    around do |example|
-      Timecop.freeze(now) do
-        example.run
-      end
-      Timecop.return
-    end
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, saledate:) }
 
     context "with a log in the 22/23 collection year" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 1) }
 
       it "adds an error for type 2, equity below min with the correct percentage" do
         record.type = 2
@@ -397,7 +390,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
     end
 
     context "with a log in 23/24 collection year" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2024, 1, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 1, 1) }
 
       it "adds an error for type 2, equity below min with the correct percentage" do
         record.type = 2
@@ -433,19 +426,10 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_equity_less_than_staircase_difference" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log, saledate: now) }
-
-    around do |example|
-      Timecop.freeze(now) do
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-        example.run
-      end
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, saledate:) }
 
     context "with a log in the 23/24 collection year" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       it "does not add an error" do
         record.stairbought = 2
@@ -457,7 +441,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::FinancialValidations do
     end
 
     context "with a log in 24/25 collection year" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       it "adds errors if equity is more than stairowned - stairbought for joint purchase" do
         record.stairbought = 2
diff --git a/spec/models/validations/sales/household_validations_spec.rb b/spec/models/validations/sales/household_validations_spec.rb
index 89680fc1a..48ab425c5 100644
--- a/spec/models/validations/sales/household_validations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/validations/sales/household_validations_spec.rb
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
   subject(:household_validator) { validator_class.new }
 
   let(:validator_class) { Class.new { include Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations } }
-  let(:record) { build(:sales_log, saledate: log_date) }
-  let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+  let(:record) { build(:sales_log, saledate:) }
+  let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
   describe "#validate_partner_count" do
     it "validates that only 1 partner exists" do
@@ -28,18 +28,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_person_age_matches_relationship" do
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
     context "with 2023 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       context "when the household contains a person under 16" do
         it "expects that person is a child of the tenant" do
@@ -73,7 +63,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 2024 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       it "does not add error if person under 16 is a partner" do
         record.age2 = 14
@@ -94,18 +84,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_person_age_matches_economic_status" do
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
     context "with 2023 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       it "validates that person's economic status must be Child" do
         record.age2 = 14
@@ -137,7 +117,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 2024 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       it "does not run the validation" do
         record.age2 = 14
@@ -152,18 +132,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_child_12_years_younger" do
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
     context "with 2023 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       it "validates the child is at least 12 years younger than buyer 1" do
         record.age1 = 30
@@ -190,7 +160,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 2024 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       it "does not validate that child is at least 12 year younger than buyer" do
         record.age1 = 20
@@ -205,18 +175,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_person_age_and_relationship_matches_economic_status" do
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
     context "with 2023 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       it "does not add an error for a person aged 16-19 who is a student but not a child of the buyer" do
         record.age2 = 18
@@ -266,7 +226,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 2024 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       context "when the household contains a tenant’s child between the ages of 16 and 19" do
         it "does not add an error" do
@@ -316,7 +276,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
   end
 
   describe "validating fields about buyers living in the property" do
-    let(:sales_log) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log, :outright_sale_setup_complete, saledate: log_date, noint: 1, companybuy: 2, buylivein:, jointpur:, jointmore:, buy1livein:) }
+    let(:sales_log) { FactoryBot.create(:sales_log, :outright_sale_setup_complete, saledate:, noint: 1, companybuy: 2, buylivein:, jointpur:, jointmore:, buy1livein:) }
 
     context "when buyers will live in the property and the sale is a joint purchase" do
       let(:buylivein) { 1 }
@@ -349,7 +309,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
         end
 
         context "with 2023 logs" do
-          let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+          let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
           it "triggers a validation if buyer two will also not live in the property" do
             sales_log.buy2livein = 2
@@ -377,21 +337,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_buyer1_previous_tenure" do
-    let(:record) { build(:sales_log) }
-
-    let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
-
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(now)
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      record.ownershipsch = 2
-      record.saledate = now
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
+    let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
+    let(:record) { build(:sales_log, saledate:, ownershipsch: 2) }
 
     it "adds an error when previous tenure is not valid" do
       [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 0].each do |prevten|
@@ -437,7 +384,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 23/24 logs" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 4) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 4) }
 
       it "does not add an error for outright sale" do
         record.ownershipsch = 2
@@ -452,18 +399,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_buyer_not_child" do
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(log_date)
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
     context "with 2023 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
 
       it "does not add an error if either buyer is a child" do
         record.jointpur = 1
@@ -476,7 +413,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::HouseholdValidations do
     end
 
     context "with 2024 logs" do
-      let(:log_date) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
       it "validates buyer 1 isn't a child" do
         record.ecstat1 = 9
diff --git a/spec/models/validations/sales/sale_information_validations_spec.rb b/spec/models/validations/sales/sale_information_validations_spec.rb
index 123122a0c..44245f73f 100644
--- a/spec/models/validations/sales/sale_information_validations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/validations/sales/sale_information_validations_spec.rb
@@ -725,17 +725,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_stairbought" do
-    let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
-
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(now)
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
+    let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
 
     [
       ["Shared Ownership (new model lease)", 30, 90],
@@ -748,7 +738,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
       ["Older Persons Shared Ownership", 24, 50],
     ].each do |label, type, max|
       context "when ownership type is #{label}" do
-        let(:record) { build(:sales_log, ownershipsch: 1, type:, saledate: now) }
+        let(:record) { build(:sales_log, ownershipsch: 1, type:, saledate:) }
 
         it "does not add an error if stairbought is under #{max}%" do
           record.stairbought = max - 1
@@ -781,8 +771,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
       end
     end
     context "when the collection year is before 2024" do
-      let(:record) { build(:sales_log, ownershipsch: 1, type: 24, saledate: now, stairbought: 90) }
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 4) }
+      let(:record) { build(:sales_log, ownershipsch: 1, type: 24, saledate:, stairbought: 90) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 4) }
 
       it "does not add an error" do
         sale_information_validator.validate_stairbought(record)
@@ -793,15 +783,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_discount_and_value" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, value: 200_000, discount: 50, ownershipsch: 2, type: 9, saledate: now) }
-    let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
-
-    around do |example|
-      Timecop.freeze(now) do
-        example.run
-      end
-      Timecop.return
-    end
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, value: 200_000, discount: 50, ownershipsch: 2, type: 9, saledate:) }
+    let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 1) }
 
     context "with a log in the 24/25 collection year" do
       context "when in London" do
@@ -870,19 +853,10 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_non_staircasing_mortgage" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, equity: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
-
-    around do |example|
-      Timecop.freeze(now) do
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-        example.run
-      end
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, equity: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
     context "with a log in the 24/25 collection year" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
 
       context "when MORTGAGE + DEPOSIT does not equal VALUE * EQUITY/100 " do
         context "and it is not a staircase transaction" do
@@ -952,7 +926,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
       end
 
       context "when MORTGAGE + DEPOSIT equals VALUE * EQUITY/100" do
-        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 2, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, equity: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 2, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, equity: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
         it "does not add an error" do
           sale_information_validator.validate_non_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -966,7 +940,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
       end
 
       context "when MORTGAGE + DEPOSIT is within 1£ tolerance of VALUE * EQUITY/100" do
-        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 2, deposit: 50_000, value: 120_001, equity: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 2, deposit: 50_000, value: 120_001, equity: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
         it "does not add an error" do
           sale_information_validator.validate_non_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1052,7 +1026,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
         end
 
         context "when DEPOSIT equals VALUE * EQUITY/100" do
-          let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 2, deposit: 15_000, value: 30_000, equity: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+          let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 2, deposit: 15_000, value: 30_000, equity: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
           it "does not add an error" do
             sale_information_validator.validate_non_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1066,7 +1040,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
         end
 
         context "when DEPOSIT is within 1£ tolerance of VALUE * EQUITY/100" do
-          let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 2, deposit: 15_000, value: 30_001, equity: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+          let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 2, deposit: 15_000, value: 30_001, equity: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
           it "does not add an error" do
             sale_information_validator.validate_non_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1082,8 +1056,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
     end
 
     context "when it is a 2023 log" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
-      let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 2, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, equity: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+      let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 2, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, equity: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
       it "does not add an error" do
         sale_information_validator.validate_non_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1098,19 +1072,10 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
   end
 
   describe "#validate_staircasing_mortgage" do
-    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
-
-    around do |example|
-      Timecop.freeze(now) do
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-        example.run
-      end
-      Timecop.return
-      Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-    end
+    let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
     context "with a log in the 24/25 collection year" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
 
       context "when MORTGAGE + DEPOSIT does not equal STAIRBOUGHT/100 * VALUE" do
         context "and it is a staircase transaction" do
@@ -1180,7 +1145,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
       end
 
       context "when MORTGAGE + DEPOSIT equals STAIRBOUGHT/100 * VALUE" do
-        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 1, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 1, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
         it "does not add an error" do
           sale_information_validator.validate_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1194,7 +1159,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
       end
 
       context "when MORTGAGE + DEPOSIT is within 1£ tolerance of STAIRBOUGHT/100 * VALUE" do
-        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 1, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_001, stairbought: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 1, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 1, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_001, stairbought: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
         it "does not add an error" do
           sale_information_validator.validate_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1209,8 +1174,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
     end
 
     context "when it is a 2023 log" do
-      let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
-      let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 1, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+      let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+      let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgage: 10_000, staircase: 1, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
       it "does not add an error" do
         sale_information_validator.validate_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1225,7 +1190,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
 
     context "when mortgage is not used" do
       context "with a log in the 24/25 collection year" do
-        let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
+        let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2024, 4, 4) }
 
         before do
           record.mortgageused = 2
@@ -1299,7 +1264,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
         end
 
         context "when DEPOSIT equals STAIRBOUGHT/100 * VALUE" do
-          let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 1, deposit: 15_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+          let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 1, deposit: 15_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
           it "does not add an error" do
             sale_information_validator.validate_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1313,7 +1278,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
         end
 
         context "when DEPOSIT is within 1£ tolerance of STAIRBOUGHT/100 * VALUE" do
-          let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 1, deposit: 15_000, value: 30_001, stairbought: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+          let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 1, deposit: 15_000, value: 30_001, stairbought: 50, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
           it "does not add an error" do
             sale_information_validator.validate_staircasing_mortgage(record)
@@ -1328,8 +1293,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SaleInformationValidations do
       end
 
       context "when it is a 2023 log" do
-        let(:now) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
-        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 1, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate: now) }
+        let(:saledate) { Time.zone.local(2023, 4, 1) }
+        let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:sales_log, mortgageused: 2, staircase: 1, deposit: 5_000, value: 30_000, stairbought: 28, ownershipsch: 1, type: 30, saledate:) }
 
         it "does not add an error" do
           sale_information_validator.validate_staircasing_mortgage(record)
diff --git a/spec/models/validations/sales/setup_validations_spec.rb b/spec/models/validations/sales/setup_validations_spec.rb
index 526024ae3..77c04f8c6 100644
--- a/spec/models/validations/sales/setup_validations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/validations/sales/setup_validations_spec.rb
@@ -7,15 +7,6 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SetupValidations do
 
   describe "#validate_saledate_collection_year" do
     context "with sales_in_crossover_period == false" do
-      before do
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 10))
-        Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-      end
-
-      after do
-        Timecop.return
-      end
-
       context "when saledate is blank" do
         let(:record) { build(:sales_log, saledate: nil) }
 
@@ -26,9 +17,13 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SetupValidations do
         end
       end
 
-      context "when saledate is in the 22/23 collection year" do
+      context "when saledate is in the open collection year" do
         let(:record) { build(:sales_log, saledate: Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 1)) }
 
+        before do
+          allow(Time).to receive(:now).and_return(Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 10))
+        end
+
         it "does not add an error" do
           setup_validator.validate_saledate_collection_year(record)
 
@@ -36,9 +31,13 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SetupValidations do
         end
       end
 
-      context "when saledate is before the 22/23 collection year" do
+      context "when saledate is before the open collection year" do
         let(:record) { build(:sales_log, saledate: Time.zone.local(2020, 1, 1)) }
 
+        before do
+          allow(Time).to receive(:now).and_return(Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 10))
+        end
+
         it "adds error" do
           setup_validator.validate_saledate_collection_year(record)
 
@@ -46,9 +45,13 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SetupValidations do
         end
       end
 
-      context "when saledate is after the 22/23 collection year" do
+      context "when saledate is after the open collection year" do
         let(:record) { build(:sales_log, saledate: Time.zone.local(2025, 4, 1)) }
 
+        before do
+          allow(Time).to receive(:now).and_return(Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 10))
+        end
+
         it "adds error" do
           setup_validator.validate_saledate_collection_year(record)
 
@@ -58,14 +61,6 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SetupValidations do
     end
 
     context "with sales_in_crossover_period == true" do
-      around do |example|
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2024, 5, 1)) do
-          Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-          example.run
-        end
-        Timecop.return
-      end
-
       context "when saledate is blank" do
         let(:record) { build(:sales_log, saledate: nil) }
 
@@ -191,12 +186,6 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SetupValidations do
     let(:absorbing_organisation) { create(:organisation, created_at: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 1), available_from: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 1), name: "Absorbing org") }
     let(:merged_organisation) { create(:organisation, name: "Merged org") }
 
-    around do |example|
-      Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 5, 1))
-      example.run
-      Timecop.return
-    end
-
     before do
       merged_organisation.update!(absorbing_organisation:, merge_date: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 2))
     end
@@ -249,11 +238,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::Sales::SetupValidations do
       let(:absorbing_organisation) { create(:organisation, created_at: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 1), available_from: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 1), name: "Absorbing org") }
       let(:merged_organisation) { create(:organisation, name: "Merged org") }
 
-      around do |example|
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 5, 1))
+      before do
         merged_organisation.update!(merge_date: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 2), absorbing_organisation:)
-        example.run
-        Timecop.return
       end
 
       context "and owning organisation is no longer active" do
diff --git a/spec/models/validations/setup_validations_spec.rb b/spec/models/validations/setup_validations_spec.rb
index aca3eea7d..5e7705c6d 100644
--- a/spec/models/validations/setup_validations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/validations/setup_validations_spec.rb
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
 
     context "when attempted startdate is more than 14 days from the current date" do
       before do
-        Timecop.freeze(2024, 3, 1)
+        allow(Time).to receive(:now).and_return(Time.zone.local(2024, 3, 1))
       end
 
       it "adds an error to startdate" do
@@ -164,18 +164,13 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
     end
 
     context "when organisations were merged" do
-      around do |example|
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 5, 1))
-        example.run
-        Timecop.return
-      end
-
       let(:absorbing_organisation) { create(:organisation, created_at: Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 30, 4, 5, 6), available_from: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 1, 4, 5, 6), name: "Absorbing org") }
       let(:absorbing_organisation_2) { create(:organisation, created_at: Time.zone.local(2023, 1, 30), available_from: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 1), name: "Absorbing org 2") }
       let(:merged_organisation) { create(:organisation, name: "Merged org") }
       let(:merged_organisation_2) { create(:organisation, name: "Merged org 2") }
 
       before do
+        allow(Time).to receive(:now).and_return(Time.zone.local(2023, 5, 1))
         merged_organisation.update!(absorbing_organisation:, merge_date: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 2))
         merged_organisation_2.update!(absorbing_organisation:, merge_date: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 2))
       end
@@ -431,9 +426,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
 
       before do
         create(:location, scheme:)
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 11, 10))
-        create(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), scheme:)
-        Timecop.return
+        scheme_deactivation_period = build(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), scheme:)
+        scheme_deactivation_period.save!(validate: false)
         scheme.reload
       end
 
@@ -461,9 +455,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
 
       before do
         create(:location, scheme:)
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 11, 10))
-        create(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 4), scheme:)
-        Timecop.return
+        scheme_deactivation_period = build(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 4), scheme:)
+        scheme_deactivation_period.save!(validate: false)
         scheme.reload
       end
 
@@ -491,11 +484,12 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
 
       before do
         create(:location, scheme:)
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 11, 10))
-        create(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 1), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 9, 4), scheme:)
-        create(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 4), scheme:)
-        create(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 2), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 3), scheme:)
-        Timecop.return
+        scheme_deactivation_period = build(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 2), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 3), scheme:)
+        scheme_deactivation_period_2 = build(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 4), scheme:)
+        scheme_deactivation_period_3 = build(:scheme_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 1), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 9, 4), scheme:)
+        scheme_deactivation_period.save!(validate: false)
+        scheme_deactivation_period_2.save!(validate: false)
+        scheme_deactivation_period_3.save!(validate: false)
         scheme.reload
       end
 
@@ -525,9 +519,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
       let(:location) { create(:location, scheme:) }
 
       before do
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 11, 10))
-        create(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), location:)
-        Timecop.return
+        location_deactivation_period = build(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), location:)
+        location_deactivation_period.save!(validate: false)
         location.reload
       end
 
@@ -555,9 +548,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
       let(:location) { create(:location, scheme:) }
 
       before do
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 11, 10))
-        create(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 4), location:)
-        Timecop.return
+        location_deactivation_period = build(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 4), location:)
+        location_deactivation_period.save!(validate: false)
         location.reload
       end
 
@@ -585,11 +577,12 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
       let(:location) { create(:location, scheme:) }
 
       before do
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 11, 10))
-        create(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 1), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 9, 4), location:)
-        create(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 4), location:)
-        create(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 2), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 3), location:)
-        Timecop.return
+        location_deactivation_period = build(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 2), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 3), location:)
+        location_deactivation_period_2 = build(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 4), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 8, 4), location:)
+        location_deactivation_period_3 = build(:location_deactivation_period, deactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 6, 1), reactivation_date: Time.zone.local(2022, 9, 4), location:)
+        location_deactivation_period.save!(validate: false)
+        location_deactivation_period_2.save!(validate: false)
+        location_deactivation_period_3.save!(validate: false)
         location.reload
       end
 
@@ -719,11 +712,10 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SetupValidations do
       let(:absorbing_organisation) { create(:organisation, created_at: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 1, 4, 5, 6), available_from: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 1, 4, 5, 6), name: "Absorbing org") }
       let(:merged_organisation) { create(:organisation, name: "Merged org") }
 
-      around do |example|
-        Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2023, 5, 1))
-        merged_organisation.update!(merge_date: Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 2), absorbing_organisation:)
-        example.run
-        Timecop.return
+      before do
+        merged_organisation.merge_date = Time.zone.local(2023, 2, 2)
+        merged_organisation.absorbing_organisation = absorbing_organisation
+        merged_organisation.save!(validate: false)
       end
 
       context "and owning organisation is no longer active" do
diff --git a/spec/models/validations/soft_validations_spec.rb b/spec/models/validations/soft_validations_spec.rb
index 601c5640e..242ff4d1b 100644
--- a/spec/models/validations/soft_validations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/models/validations/soft_validations_spec.rb
@@ -2,16 +2,7 @@ require "rails_helper"
 
 RSpec.describe Validations::SoftValidations do
   let(:organisation) { FactoryBot.create(:organisation, provider_type: "PRP") }
-  let(:record) { FactoryBot.create(:lettings_log, owning_organisation: organisation) }
-
-  before do
-    Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2021, 10, 10))
-    Singleton.__init__(FormHandler)
-  end
-
-  after do
-    Timecop.return
-  end
+  let(:record) { FactoryBot.build(:lettings_log, owning_organisation: organisation) }
 
   describe "rent min max validations" do
     before do
@@ -32,7 +23,7 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SoftValidations do
       record.rent_type = 0
       record.beds = 1
       record.period = 1
-      record.startdate = Time.zone.today
+      record.startdate = Time.zone.local(2021, 10, 10)
     end
 
     context "when validating soft min" do
@@ -84,7 +75,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SoftValidations do
 
   describe "retirement soft validations" do
     before do
-      record.update!(age1:, ecstat1:)
+      record.age1 = age1
+      record.ecstat1 = ecstat1
     end
 
     context "when the tenant is under the expected retirement age" do
@@ -163,35 +155,57 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SoftValidations do
   describe "pregnancy soft validations" do
     context "when there are no female tenants" do
       it "shows the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(age1: 43, sex1: "M", preg_occ: 1, hhmemb: 1, age1_known: 0)
+        record.age1 = 43
+        record.sex1 = "M"
+        record.preg_occ = 1
+        record.hhmemb = 1
+        record.age1_known = 0
         expect(record.no_females_in_a_pregnant_household?).to be true
       end
     end
 
     context "when there are no female tenants and age of other tenants is unknown" do
       it "shows the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(sex1: "M", preg_occ: 1, hhmemb: 1, age1_known: 1)
+        record.sex1 = "M"
+        record.preg_occ = 1
+        record.hhmemb = 1
+        record.age1_known = 1
         expect(record.no_females_in_a_pregnant_household?).to be true
       end
     end
 
     context "when female tenants are under 16" do
       it "shows the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(age2: 14, sex2: "F", preg_occ: 1, hhmemb: 2, details_known_2: 0, age2_known: 0, age1: 18, sex1: "M", age1_known: 0)
+        record.age2 = 14
+        record.sex2 = "F"
+        record.preg_occ = 1
+        record.hhmemb = 2
+        record.details_known_2 = 0
+        record.age2_known = 0
+        record.age1 = 18
+        record.sex1 = "M"
+        record.age1_known = 0
         expect(record.female_in_pregnant_household_in_soft_validation_range?).to be true
       end
     end
 
     context "when female tenants are over 50" do
       it "shows the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(age1: 54, sex1: "F", preg_occ: 1, hhmemb: 1, age1_known: 0)
+        record.age1 = 54
+        record.sex1 = "F"
+        record.preg_occ = 1
+        record.hhmemb = 1
+        record.age1_known = 0
         expect(record.female_in_pregnant_household_in_soft_validation_range?).to be true
       end
     end
 
     context "when female tenants are outside of soft validation ranges" do
       it "does not show the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(age1: 44, sex1: "F", preg_occ: 1, hhmemb: 1)
+        record.age1 = 44
+        record.sex1 = "F"
+        record.preg_occ = 1
+        record.hhmemb = 1
         expect(record.no_females_in_a_pregnant_household?).to be false
         expect(record.female_in_pregnant_household_in_soft_validation_range?).to be false
       end
@@ -199,7 +213,8 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SoftValidations do
 
     context "when the information about the tenants is not given" do
       it "does not show the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(preg_occ: 1, hhmemb: 2)
+        record.preg_occ = 1
+        record.hhmemb = 2
         expect(record.no_females_in_a_pregnant_household?).to be false
         expect(record.female_in_pregnant_household_in_soft_validation_range?).to be false
       end
@@ -207,48 +222,36 @@ RSpec.describe Validations::SoftValidations do
   end
 
   describe "major repairs date soft validations" do
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1))
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.unfreeze
-    end
-
     context "when the major repairs date is within 10 years of the tenancy start date" do
       it "shows the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(startdate: Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1), mrcdate: Time.zone.local(2013, 2, 1))
+        record.startdate = Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1)
+        record.mrcdate = Time.zone.local(2013, 2, 1)
         expect(record.major_repairs_date_in_soft_range?).to be true
       end
     end
 
     context "when the major repairs date is less than 2 years before the tenancy start date" do
       it "does not show the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(startdate: Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1), mrcdate: Time.zone.local(2021, 2, 1))
+        record.startdate = Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1)
+        record.mrcdate = Time.zone.local(2021, 2, 1)
         expect(record.major_repairs_date_in_soft_range?).to be false
       end
     end
   end
 
   describe "void date soft validations" do
-    before do
-      Timecop.freeze(Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1))
-    end
-
-    after do
-      Timecop.unfreeze
-    end
-
     context "when the void date is within 10 years of the tenancy start date" do
       it "shows the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(startdate: Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1), voiddate: Time.zone.local(2013, 2, 1))
+        record.startdate = Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1)
+        record.voiddate = Time.zone.local(2013, 2, 1)
         expect(record.voiddate_in_soft_range?).to be true
       end
     end
 
     context "when the void date is less than 2 years before the tenancy start date" do
       it "does not show the interruption screen" do
-        record.update!(startdate: Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1), voiddate: Time.zone.local(2021, 2, 1))
+        record.startdate = Time.zone.local(2022, 2, 1)
+        record.voiddate = Time.zone.local(2021, 2, 1)
         expect(record.voiddate_in_soft_range?).to be false
       end
     end