This section enables specially authorised officers of local housing authorities to enter premises without a warrant. The officer must reasonably suspect the premises are subject to residential tenancies and consider it necessary to enter in order to inspect for the purpose of investigating whether a breach or offence has occurred in relation to the Private Rented Sector Database or under section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 (unlawful eviction and harassment).
	This is a similar power to that provided in section 239 (powers of entry) (as amended by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025) of the Housing Act 2004, which is available for provisions relating to property conditions and licensing.
Part 4: Enforcement Chapter 3 – Investigatory Powers Section 126: Suspected residential tenancy: entry without warrant Background