(1) At the time, upon the date and at the place stated in the summons, the housing court shall, subject to subsection (2), inquire into the application for an order.
(2) If—
(a) the owner; or
(b) any right holder;
of the building concerned or his representative fails to appear in compliance with the summons, the housing court may—
(i) upon proof of service of the summons on the owner or right holder, as the case may be; or
(ii) upon proof that the owner or right holder, as the case may be, cannot be found by diligent search; proceed in terms of subsection (1) in his absence.