71Powers of entry

71 Powers of entry S. 71(1) amended by Nos 26/1987 s. 16(1)(a)–(c), 20/1996 s. 11. (1) For the purpose of ascertaining whether a house complies with the regulations or in the course of carrying out or exercising any of the functions or powers of the Council under this Part or the regulations, a person authorized in that behalf by the Council shall have power— S. 71(1)(a) amended by No. 26/1987 s. 16(1)(d). (a) to enter any house between the hours of eight o'clock in the morning and six o'clock in the evening or any other building or land at any reasonable time; and S. 71(1)(b) amended by No. 26/1987 s. 16(1)(e). (b) to conduct such inspections and carry out such works as are necessary. S. 71(2) amended by No. 26/1987 s. 16(2)(a)–(c). (2) A person referred to in subsection (1) shall not, except with the consent of any resident or where otherwise provided, enter any house in which any person resides until after the expiration of 24 hours' notice given for that purpose to any resident. S. 71(3) amended by Nos 26/1987 s. 16(3)(a)(b), 20/1996 s. 11. (3) Notwithstanding anything in this section, a person authorized in that behalf by the Council shall have the power to enter any building or land at any time where the safety of the public or any resident is at risk. S. 71(4) amended by Nos 26/1987 s. 16(4), 20/1996 s. 11. (4) It shall be an offence to hinder or obstruct any person entering any house, building or land if that person is duly authorized by the Council in that behalf under subsection (1). S. 71(5) inserted by Nos 26/1987 s. 16(5), 20/1996 s. 11. (5) A person who is duly authorized by the Council under subsection (1) to enter premises may, unless the premises are a house in which any person resides, use any reasonable force that is necessary to enter the premises. S. 71A inserted by No. 26/1987 s. 17, repealed by No. 20/1996 s. 12.[[20]](#endnote-21)