Estate Agents Act 1980

An inspector, with the written approval of the Director, may apply to a magistrate for the issue of a search warrant in relation to particular premises for the purpose of monitoring compliance with this Act or the regulations or the carrying out of any audit under this Act.

If a magistrate is satisfied by the evidence, on oath or by affirmation or by affidavit, of the inspector that the warrant is necessary for the purpose of monitoring compliance with this Act or the regulations or the carrying out of any audit under this Act, the magistrate may issue a search warrant, in accordance with the Magistrates' Court Act 1989, authorising an inspector named in the warrant, together with any other person or persons named or otherwise identified in the warrant and with any necessary equipment—

to enter the premises specified in the warrant, if necessary by force; and

to do all or any of the following—

search for;

seize;

secure against interference;

examine and inspect;

make copies of or take extracts from—

A search warrant issued under this section must state—

the purpose for which the search is required; and

any conditions to which the warrant is subject; and

whether entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during stated hours of the day or night; and

a day, not later than 28 days after the issue of the warrant, on which the warrant ceases to have effect.

Except as provided by this Act, the rules to be observed with respect to search warrants under the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 extend and apply to warrants under this section.