That's what I'm trying to find out. I've found [broken link removed] on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Co's website that they contact landlords or agents to arrange the inspection. I would have been much happier with this. I have nothing to hide and am totally compliant with PRTB, household charge, etc., but would just like to know if someone wants to inspect my property.
They told my tenant that they had contacted me, gave him my name, and said that I had given permission for the inspection. This is absolutely not true, the first I knew about it was today when the letter arrived.
It would also make more sense if they made an appointment with me, the owner / landlord, to inspect the property so that the landlord could see for themselves what the supposed breaches are and could take the necessary action.
For example, they have asked in their letter for proof of when the chimney was last cleaned. If they had made an arrangement to meet me at the house, I could have brought the receipt to show them it had been cleaned in March this year.
Here's http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,19428,en.pdf (more detailed information) about the housing regs for anyone who's interested.
I have told my tenant not to let anyone into the house unless he is aware in advance of who they are. There are so many thieves claiming to be from the council, water board, etc. trying to get into people's homes.