Under what circumstances may a PSO enter a property without prior notice?

• A. For routine annual inspections.
• B. If the owner is unavailable.
• C. In emergencies or when authorized by statute or by-law.
• D. Never; always needs notice.

Answer: (C)

When enforcing property standards, you generally must give notice before entering a property to inspect. The exception to this rule is when there is an emergency or when a statute or by-law expressly authorizes entry without notice. In emergencies—the kind of immediate danger to health, safety, or property that requires urgent action—the PSO can enter to address the situation or prevent harm. Likewise, if a statute or by-law specifically allows entry without notice for certain inspections or enforcement actions, that authorization overrides the usual notice requirement. Routine inspections or situations where the owner is unavailable do not automatically allow skipping notice; they require notice unless an emergency or a legal provision specifically permits otherwise. This is why the correct choice is the one describing emergencies or authorization by statute or by-law.