• In which area is my HMO located?
• Powers of Entry

Powers of Entry

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Where a local authority considers that a survey or examination of premises is necessary to determine whether it requires a licence the Housing Act 2004 authorises the authority to enter any premises at a reasonable time upon giving the owner and any occupiers at least 24 hours notice.

There is no requirement to give notice where the local authority considers that the premises needs to be entered for the purposes of finding out whether an offence has been committed. For example to see if an HMO is operating without a licence or to see if a licence condition has been breached.

If entry is refused, the local authority can apply to the Court for a warrant authorising entry, by force if necessary.