Part 4: Higher-risk buildings Residents’ etc duties Section 97: Access to Premises Effect
This section provides that the county court may, following an application by the Accountable Person for an occupied higher-risk building, make an order to allow entry in respect of any premises in the part of the building for which the Accountable Person is responsible.
	The premises referred to in this section refer to residential units or other spaces controlled by the owner or resident such as a garage or storage cupboard that does not form part of the residential unit.
	The court must be satisfied that the order is necessary for the purpose as set out in the request. In requesting access, the Accountable Person must do so in accordance with principles prescribed in regulations under section 83.
	Before the court makes an order it must ensure that it is satisfied that:
the Accountable Person has made a written request, setting out its purpose and an explanation for why access is needed. It must also provide at least 48 hours’ notice before access is required and access must be requested at a reasonable time;
the request has been made in connection with the Accountable Person’s duties under sections 83 or 84 to assess or manage building safety risks or in connection with a potential breach of a duty on residents and owners of residential units under section 95; and
it is necessary to make the order for the purpose mentioned in the request for access.
	An order made under this section may permit access for the purpose requested and, if necessary for that purpose, may permit the taking of measurements, photographs, recordings or samples.
	If an order is made, it must specify a date or a time period during which the relevant person must allow the Accountable Person, or a person authorised by them, access to the premises.
	A relevant person (aged 16 or over) includes the resident, or if the premises is not occupied, it may be the owner or a person controlling the premises.