Entry to Inspect Housing Conditions

Housing Act 2004, s.239

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: Yes

Authorises an officer of the local housing authority to enter premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of surveying and examining the premises to determine whether any housing-related functions should be exercised. This includes assessing whether a premises is subject to a hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), whether an HMO licence is required, or whether a management order should be made.

Conditions

The person entering must be an authorised officer of the local housing authority
Entry must be at a reasonable time
24 hours' notice must be given to the occupier unless the premises are unoccupied or notice would defeat the purpose
A warrant may be obtained from a justice of the peace if entry is refused or the premises are empty

Limitations

This is a local authority power: police officers do not exercise it directly
Force may only be used under a warrant from a justice of the peace
The power is limited to housing-related functions: it is not a general search power

Last updated 24 September 2026