Section 128 gives justices of the peace the power to issue a warrant authorising entry by an officer of a local housing authority, named in the warrant, into suspected residential tenancies also named in the warrant.
	A justice of the peace may only issue such a warrant to an officer if they are satisfied, on written information provided on oath by that officer, that in entering the premises the officer would be acting on behalf of the local housing authority or in the course of employment; there are reasonable grounds for believing that the premises are subject to a residential tenancy (as defined by section 63); and it is necessary for the officer to inspect the premises for the purpose of investigating whether a breach or offence of the legislation listed in section 126, subsection (1)(b) has occurred.
	In addition, before issuing a warrant the justice of the peace must be satisfied that one of the following apply: admission to the premises has been sought without a warrant under section 126, subsection (1) but refused, no occupier is present and waiting for their return may defeat the purpose of the entry, or applying for admission would defeat the purpose of the entry.
Part 4: Enforcement Chapter 3 – Investigatory Powers Section 128: Suspected residential tenancy: warrant authorising entry Effect