When can a PSO issue a 'cease of occupancy' order?

• A. In extreme cases where continued occupancy poses immediate danger; occupancy cannot be continued under any conditions.
• B. Only after a court order.
• C. Conditional occupancy is not allowed under any circumstances.
• D. In extreme cases where continued occupancy poses immediate danger; conditional occupancy may be allowed with modifications.

Answer: (D)

A cease of occupancy can be issued by a PSO when there is an immediate danger to occupants, so stopping occupancy is necessary to protect health and safety. But the authority isn’t an all-or-nothing ban; if there are practical safety fixes or safeguards that can be put in place, the PSO may allow occupancy on a conditional basis, with modifications required to address the hazards. That balance—protecting people now while permitting controlled occupancy if risks can be mitigated—is why the best answer allows conditional occupancy with modifications. The other options are too absolute or require a court order, which isn’t how these orders are typically used.