This article intends to give a summary of the registration requirement of high-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022 (the Act) as they apply to you if you are the owner, and/or landlord of a building.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, the Act introduces a raft of new reforms for landlords and developers to improve fire safety in residential buildings.
One such reform is the introduction of a new government body, known as the Building Safety Regulator (or BSR).
The BSR will be in charge of overseeing the safety standards of your building, as well as setting out possible methods of improving those safety standards and ensuring any recommendations are complied with. Registration is required to ensure the BSR has the means to monitor the safety of your building.
There are 2 criteria for your building to fall into the definition under the Act that will require you to register –
If your building applies, “accountable persons” must be designated for it. This will be any organisation or individual who owns, or is responsible for, repairing its common residential parts.
Examples of an “accountable person” can include a freeholder, landlord or management company.
Where there is more than 1 party, a Principal Accountable Person (or PAP) needs to be designated. This designation should rest with the party who either owns, or is primarily responsible for, looking after your building’s structure.
As a PAP, you will be responsible for the following duties, in summary –
When you receive their sign off, it should be displayed in a noticeable position in your building.
To register with the BSR, you will need to complete the online registration
You will need to pay £251 per building you register and registration must be done by your PAP or a person authorised by the PAP, such as a solicitor.
Your application needs to have the following information about your building–
Failure to register by 30 September 2023 will constitute a criminal offence, so it is crucial you submit the relevant information as soon as possible.
Sanction for non-registration can include an unlimited fine and up to two years’ imprisonment.
To discuss any of the points raised in this article, please contact Josh Fraser, or fill in the below form.
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