Powers of commissioner

The commissioner shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to effectuate the purposes of this act, including without limitation, the following powers: a. To enter and inspect, without prior notice, a building, structure or premises, other than an owner-occupied building used exclusively for dwelling purposes and containing fewer than three dwelling units, and make such investigation as is reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this act; b. To enforce and administer the provisions of this act, and to prosecute or cause to be prosecuted violators of the provisions of this act in administrative hearings and in civil proceedings in State and local courts; c. To assess penalties and to compromise and settle a claim for a penalty for a violation of the provisions of this act in an amount as may appear appropriate and equitable; d. To hold and exercise all the rights and remedies available to a judgment creditor; and e. To collect from units of local government and their agencies information reasonable and necessary to carry out the intent of this act.