The amendments to section 235 of the Housing Act 2004 will enable local authorities to require documents from a relevant person, for example bank statements or tenancy agreements, for the purposes of setting fines under Part 7 of that Act in relation to qualifying residential tenancies. This will support local housing authorities to impose appropriate fines by allowing them to get more information after a breach under Parts 1 to 4 of the Housing Act 2004 has been proved. Parts 1 to 4 of the Housing Act 2004 include housing conditions, private rented sector licensing, final and interim orders, and overcrowding. Part 1 of the 2004 Act is being amended by this Act to introduce a Decent Homes Standard into the private rented sector.
	The amendments to section 239 of the Housing Act 2004 will enable tenants to provide a waiver for the otherwise required 24 hours’ notice prior to a property inspection under that section – should it be convenient for them to waive the notice. The amendments also mean that local housing authorities will not need to give prior notice to any owner of the property where the property is a qualifying residential property. Notice must still be given to the owner within a reasonable period after the power of entry has been exercised.
Part 4: Enforcement Chapter 3 – Investigatory Powers Section 135: Investigatory powers under the Housing Act 2004 Background