Building Safety Regulations
Apartment block safety and compliance aren’t optional, but essential. As an RMC director or RTM company, it’s your responsibility to ensure your block property adheres to the building safety regulations.
The government has implemented strict laws to ensure protection of life and property, which exist to help you provide a safe living space for everyone. If you’re unsure about the building regulations in the UK, you may need expert guidance to ensure your property is fully compliant.
At Habitare, we’re here to help you adhere to the latest building safety laws, undertaking all the necessary inspections and proactive maintenance on your behalf.
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Key Building Safety Regulations
Some of the key building safety regulations that residential buildings must follow include:
The Building Safety Act 2022
This legislation has introduced several essential reforms, including the appointment of an Accountable Person, the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator to enforce standards, and the implementation of the Golden Thread of information to track building safety across its entire lifecycle.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Created especially for RMC directors, this regulation dictates that an RMC director should conduct regular fire risk assessments (FRAs), provide regular fire safety instruction to residents, and regularly test fire doors and fire detection systems.
You can read more about Fire Safety here.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
An important building regulation in the UK, this law requires RMCs to assess and manage the risks of asbestos exposure associated with buildings built earlier than 2000. The RMC must also undertake regular inspections and maintain proper documentation.
Gas and Electrical Safety Regulations
The UK’s building safety regulations require electrical installation inspections every five years. You’ll also need to conduct annual gas safety checks for communal heating systems.
If you’re struggling with how to stay legally compliant when it comes to property management and maintenance, we strongly recommend contacting the expert property managers at Habitare. Get in touch today to learn how we can help you.
Building Safety Director vs. Principal Accountable Person
A Building Safety Director (BSD) and a Principal Accountable Person (PAP) do not have the same roles.
The BSD is a professional appointed by the Residents Management Company (RMC) and the Right to Manage (RTM) company to assist them with safety compliance. If the RMC or RTM director lacks the specific knowledge and expertise, they appoint a BSD.
The Building Safety Act of 2022 (BSA) has made a provision for appointing an accountable person and a principal accountable person. The PAP’s role is especially mandated for high-risk buildings or buildings that are 18 metres or seven stories high, with two or more residential units.
The PAP is usually a freeholder, leaseholder, or RMC or RTM director who registers the building with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), conducts safety case reports, and ensures compliance with safety measures.
Register Your Property With The Building Safety Regulator
A high-risk building is any property that’s at least 18 metres tall or has seven or more storeys. The BSA mandates that a high-risk building needs to be registered with the BSR, and failure to register your building can lead to fines or legal proceedings.
Here’s how to register your building with the BSR:
1
Gather all the necessary building details (address, height, number of units), as well as the PAP details, building structure information, and safety measures.
2
Register your building on the BSR portal
3
Pay the fees according to the latest guidelines
Once you’ve submitted this information and registered your building, the BSR might request additional information and conduct compliance checks.
Additional information that might be required
- Details about ancillary buildings
- The main and secondary use of the building, outbuildings, and subterranean levels
- Changes to the building’s primary purpose since construction
- Materials that are used on the interior, exterior and roof of the building
- The number of underground levels (if applicable)
- Details on the number of staircases, energy supply, and storage facilities
- Evacuation strategy and fire and smoke control mechanism
Feeling overwhelmed? You can outsource your building safety checks to a block management company like Habitare. Our team is here to help you with the paperwork, property inspections, repairs and emergency assistance required to keep your building compliant with the UK’s property safety regulations. Connect with us to learn more about our services.
“Great customer service. Very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with, highly recommend.”
Drew Joseph
RMC & RTM Responsibilities for Maintaining the Safety of The Building
To comply with safety laws and regulations, here are some of the key responsibilities you’ll need to take on:
- Arranging for qualified professionals to conduct regular safety inspections and report any potential safety hazards
- Maintaining detailed records of safety checks, repairs and related documentation
- Informing all your residents about safety measures and emergency procedures
- Working with professionals such as fire risk assessors, building surveyors and property managers, as necessary
When you outsource your property management to Habitare, our professionals take on many of these responsibilities on your behalf, ensuring you adhere to all these rules and maintain proper record-keeping.
Challenges RMCs Face With Compliance
When trying to comply with building regulations for fire safety and other building safety regulations, some of the common challenges an RMC may face include:
- RMCs are often cash-strapped, so without intending to, you might put regular maintenance on the back burner to concentrate on more pressing needs. However, ignoring regular upkeep might lead to accidents, non-compliance, fines and legal action.
- Many RMC directors work voluntarily and might lack adequate knowledge about legal matters and their related responsibilities. This can make decision-making difficult.
- Staying on top of the changing regulations can be challenging. Being involved in an RTM company or RMC means dedicating time researching and finding solutions.
If you need help with block property management, choose Habitare as your local block management partner. Get in touch to learn more about our services.
Best Practices To Ensure Building Safety
Here’s a quick-fire list of the best practices to ensure your building meets legal safety regulations in the UK:
- Hire a building safety manager to oversee compliance issues effectively
- Conduct annual fire risk assessments and implement recommended improvements
- Hire a professional block property management company like Habitare to maintain compliance with building regulations
- Educate leaseholders and residents about safety guidelines and evacuation strategies
When you outsource your property management to Habitare, our professionals take on many of these responsibilities on your behalf, ensuring you adhere to all these rules and maintain proper record-keeping.
Why Choose Us?
Are you unsure as to whether you’re meeting the essential fire door regulations? We know it can be difficult to stay on top of fire door maintenance requirements, and that’s when additional support is so helpful.
Habitare is here to help you comply with all building safety regulations, including fire door regulations for flats. We prioritise resident safety across all our services and undertake regular inspections, preemptive checks, and repairs to help you avoid emergencies and keep your residents safe.
Building regulations and adequate fire doors in flats are a legal requirement for blocks in the UK, but it’s not just about ticking the necessary boxes. You need to be proactive, work with reliable contractors and show your residents that you’re doing everything you can to keep them safe.
Connect with us today to learn more about our services.