Building Safety & Fire Safety Law
Post-Grenfell reforms, Building Safety Act 2022, cladding remediation, and the Building Safety Regulator.
Introduction
Building safety law was transformed following the Grenfell Tower fire (2017). The Building Safety Act 2022 created a new regulatory regime for higher-risk buildings. The Building Safety Regulator oversees design, construction, and occupation. Leaseholders gained protections from remediation costs.
Core Principles
Building Safety Regulator — Acts as building control authority for higher-risk buildings (18m+ or 7+ storeys).
Accountable Person — Each higher-risk building must have one, responsible for managing safety risks.
Golden Thread — Digital record of building safety information throughout the building's lifecycle.
Leaseholder Protections — Qualifying leaseholders protected from historical fire safety remediation costs.
Extended Limitation — Claims under the Defective Premises Act 1972 extended to 30 years retrospectively.
Key Statutes
Building Safety Act 2022
Fire Safety Act 2021
Common Scenarios
Leaseholder in building with unsafe cladding
Under BSA 2022, qualifying leaseholders are protected from remediation costs. Developers and building owners may be required to pay through Remediation Orders and Building Liability Orders.