The First-tier Tribunal may on its own motion and must at the request of one of the parties (subject in either case to any necessary consent being obtained) inspect the dwellinghouse which is the subject of the regulated tenancy reference.

An inspection may be made before, during or after the close of the hearing, or at such stage in relation to the consideration of the representations in writing as the First-tier Tribunal determines.

The First-tier Tribunal must give in writing sufficient notice of an inspection to the party or parties and must allow each party and their representative to attend any such inspection.

Where an inspection is made after the close of a hearing the First-tier Tribunal may, if it considers that it is expedient to do so on account of any matter arising from the inspection, re-open the hearing; and if the hearing is to be re-opened rule 24(1) (hearings) applies as it applied to the original hearing, save in so far as its requirements may be dispensed with or relaxed with the consent of the parties.