(a)

(1) If any residential rental property has three (3) code violations cited on three (3) separate dates within a six-month period, the municipal agency or department that is responsible for enforcement of building codes is authorized to conduct an in-home inspection of the property, regardless of whether the landlord or a tenant is in possession of the property.

(2) The municipal agency or department that is responsible for enforcement of building codes may enter the dwelling unit only:

(A) With the consent of the tenant in possession;

(B) With a validly issued search warrant; or

(C) In the event of an emergency presenting an immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the tenant in possession.

(3) Entry shall comply in all respects with Amendment IV of the Constitution of the United States, as well as Article I, § 7 of the Constitution of Tennessee. Entry shall be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the tenant in possession.

(b) This section shall apply to any county having a metropolitan form of government and a population in excess of five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2000 federal census, or any subsequent federal census, and to any county having a population in excess of eight hundred thousand (800,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census.

(c) This section shall apply to any municipality having a population of not less than thirteen thousand seven hundred (13,700) nor more than thirteen thousand eight hundred (13,800), and to any municipality having a population of not less than twenty-seven thousand two hundred (27,200) nor more than twenty-seven thousand four hundred (27,400).