469.This section gives an “authorised officer” power to enter premises that are not being used as a residential unit where certain criteria are met. It also makes related provision, including about entry using force and when a justice of the peace can issue a warrant.
470.When investigating compliance with a requirement, an authorised officer may need to enter premises that is not being used as a residential unit. For example, there may be documentation or other evidence in that premises that the officer may need to access, or it may be that the authorised officer requires access to the premises to determine whether duties to assess and manage building safety risks are being complied.
471.Subsection (2) provides that the authorised officer may enter by force if the officer considers it necessary for a relevant purpose (which might be, to investigate compliance with a requirement under this Act), but only where a warrant to do so has been issued by a justice of the peace under subsection (3).
Commentary on Sections Functions of authorised officers Section 103 - Power to enter premises not being used as a residential unit