Rent Act 1977

77 Reference of contracts to rent tribunals and obtaining by them of information

(1) Either the lessor or the lessee under a restricted contract or the local authority may refer the contract to the rent tribunal for the district in question.

(2) Where a restricted contract is referred to a rent tribunal under subsection (1) above they may, by notice in writing served on the lessor, require him to give to them, within such period (not less than 7 days from the date of the service of the notice) as may be specified in the notice, such information as they may reasonably require regarding such of the prescribed particulars relating to the contract as are specified in the notice.

(3) If, within the period specified in a notice under subsection (2) above, the lessor fails without reasonable cause to comply with the provisions of the notice he shall be liable on a first conviction to a fine not exceeding £50 and on a second or subsequent conviction to a fine not exceeding £100.

(4) Proceedings for an offence under this section shall not be instituted otherwise than by the local authority.