The Act – Overview Disinfection etc. of premises and things Section 73 Notice on occupier or owner of infected etc. premises or things
147.This section applies where a local authority knows or suspects that any premises in its area (or any thing in or on such premises) are infected, infested or contaminated. If it appears to the authority that in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease or contamination, it is necessary to disinfect, disinfest, or decontaminate the premises (or things in or on the premises), destroy a thing, or do other connected operations, then the authority may serve a notice on the occupier of the premises (or the owner if the premises are unoccupied) requiring that person to carry out the necessary steps. If the occupier is not the owner of the premises, then a copy of the notice must be served on the owner of the premises. A notice may be served only where a local authority competent person certifies satisfaction as to the matters referred to above.
148.Subsection (6) sets out that the notice must specify the steps which the person on whom the notice is served must take and the period in which they must be taken. It must also advise the person on whom the notice is served that if the notice is not complied with, then the local authority may take those steps. If, during the period of the notice, the person on whom the notice is served consents, then an authorised officer of the local authority may carry out the steps.