17.—(1) The First-tier Tribunal may make such inquiries as it thinks fit for the purpose of exercising its functions under the Act.
(2) Inquiries may be made about matters other than those to which an application relates.
(3) Inquiries must include—
(a)consideration of any timeous written representation made by or on behalf of the homeowner and the property factor;
(b)where an oral hearing takes place, hearing any oral representation made by or on behalf of the homeowner or the property factor; and
(c)consideration of any report instructed by the First-tier Tribunal about any of the matters referred to in the application.
(4) A representation is timeous if it is received—
(a)by the day specified in the notice given under rule 15(1)(b);
(b)where a later day is specified in a notice given under rule 15(2)(b), by that later day; or
(c)by any later date if the First-tier Tribunal is satisfied that there is good reason for the delay.