Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

Building Safety Act 2022

Type Public General Act

Publication 2022-04-28

Last updated 2026-01-27

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(4) In subsection (3) “relevant repairing obligation” and “common parts” have the same meaning as in section 72.

Registration and certificates

Requirement for completion certificate before occupation

76

(1) This section applies if any of the following works are carried out—

(a) the construction of a higher-risk building;

(b) the creation of additional residential units in such a building;

(2) If a relevant residential unit is occupied before a completion certificate relating to a relevant part of the building is issued, the relevant accountable person commits an offence.

(3) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that the person had a reasonable excuse for the residential unit being occupied before such a completion certificate was issued.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the maximum summary term for either-way offences or a fine (or both);

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both).

(5) In this section—

“completion certificate” means a certificate of a prescribed description that is issued under regulations made under section 1(1) of the Building Act 1984 (building regulations);

“occupied”: a residential unit is occupied if there is a resident of it;

“relevant accountable person”, in relation to a residential unit, means the accountable person who is responsible for a relevant part of the building;

“relevant part” of a building, in relation to a residential unit, means a part of the building containing the residential unit;

“relevant residential unit” means— in the case of works within subsection (1)(a), any residential unit in the building; in the case of works within subsection (1)(b), any additional residential unit; in the case of works within subsection (1)(c), any residential unit in the building except one that existed before the works began.

Occupation: registration requirement

77

(1) The principal accountable person for a higher-risk building commits an offence if the building is occupied but not registered.

(2) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that the person had a reasonable excuse for the building being occupied but not registered.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the maximum summary term for either-way offences or a fine (or both);

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);

and (in either case) is liable on summary conviction to a further fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale for each day on which the default continues after the initial conviction.

(4) In this section “registered” means registered under section 78.

Registration of higher-risk buildings

78

(1) On an application by the principal accountable person for a higher-risk building the regulator may register the building.

(2) The regulator must publish the register in such way as it considers appropriate.

(3) The regulator may remove a building from the register if it appears to the regulator that—

(a) the building is not occupied, or

(b) the building is not a higher-risk building.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the register, including in particular provision about—

(a) the information to be contained in the register;

(b) the updating or other revision of information in the register;

(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision in relation to applications under this section, including in particular provision about—

(a) the form and content of an application;

(b) the information and documents that must accompany an application;

(d) the circumstances in which an application may be withdrawn or treated as withdrawn;

(e) the way in which an application may be withdrawn.

Occupied building: duty to apply for building assessment certificate

79

(1) This section applies where the regulator directs the principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building to apply to the regulator for a building assessment certificate in relation to the building.

(2) The principal accountable person for the building must make the application within the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the direction is given.

(3) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (2) commits an offence.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the maximum summary term for either-way offences or a fine (or both);

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);

and (in either case) is liable on summary conviction to a further fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale for each day on which the default continues after the initial conviction.

(5) In this section “building assessment certificate” means a certificate issued under section 81.

Applications for building assessment certificates

80

(1) An application under section 79 must be accompanied by—

(a) a copy of the most recent safety case report for the building unless a copy of that report has been provided under section 86(2);

(b) prescribed information about the mandatory occurrence reporting system operated by the principal accountable person;

(c) prescribed information demonstrating compliance by each accountable person for the building with their duties under section 89;

(d) a copy of any residents’ engagement strategy.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision about applications under section 79, including in particular provision about—

(a) the form and content of an application;

(b) the way in which an application, and anything which is to accompany it, is to be given;

(d) the way in which an application may be withdrawn.

(3) In this section—

“mandatory occurrence reporting system” has the same meaning as in section 87;

“residents’ engagement strategy” has the same meaning as in section 91;

“safety case report” has the same meaning as in section 85.

Building assessment certificates

81

(1) This section applies where—

(a) the principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building applies under section 79 for a certificate in relation to the building (a “building assessment certificate”),

(b) the application is made pursuant to a direction of the regulator under that section, and

(2) The regulator must assess whether the relevant duties are being complied with (and may inspect the building in connection with that assessment).

(3) The regulator—

(a) must give a building assessment certificate if satisfied that all relevant duties are being complied with;

(b) if not so satisfied, must (subject to subsection (4)) refuse the application and notify the principal accountable person of the refusal.

(4) If the regulator considers that a contravention of a relevant duty can be remedied promptly—

(a) the regulator may give a notice under this subsection to the principal accountable person containing a brief description of the contravention and specifying a period for remedying the contravention, and

(b) if it does so, and the contravention is remedied within that period, it may give a building assessment certificate (instead of refusing the application).

(5) In this section “relevant duty” means a duty of an accountable person for the building under, or under prescribed regulations made under, any of the following—

(a) section 83 (duty to assess building safety risks);

(b) section 84 (management of building safety risks);

(d) section 87(5) (duties relating to mandatory occurrence reporting system);

(e) section 89 (provision of information to regulator, residents etc);

(f) section 91 (duty to produce a residents’ engagement strategy).

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision about building assessment certificates and notices under this section, including in particular provision about—

(a) the period in relation to which a certificate may be given;

(b) the form and content of a certificate or notice;

Duty to display building assessment certificate etc

82

(1) The principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must ensure that the following are displayed together, in a conspicuous position in the building—

(a) a notice in the prescribed form containing prescribed information about accountable persons for the building;

(b) the most recent building assessment certificate relating to the building;

(2) Where a special measures order is in force in relation to an occupied higher-risk building—

(a) subsection (1) has effect as if paragraph (b) were omitted, and

(b) the principal accountable person for the building must ensure that no building assessment certificate relating to the building is displayed in the building.

(3) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (1) or (2)(b) commits an offence.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the maximum summary term for either-way offences or a fine (or both);

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);

and (in either case) is liable on summary conviction to a further fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale for each day on which the default continues after the initial conviction.

(5) In this section—

“building assessment certificate” has the same meaning as in section 81;

“relevant compliance notice”: a compliance notice is “relevant” if— it has been given to an accountable person for the building, if it was not given to the principal accountable person for the building, the regulator has given a copy of it to the principal accountable person, and the regulator has not notified the principal accountable person that the notice has been withdrawn.

Duties relating to building safety risks

Assessment of building safety risks

83

(1) An accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant time assess the building safety risks as regards the part of the building for which they are responsible.

(2) Further such assessments must be made—

(a) at regular intervals,

(b) at any time that the accountable person has reason to suspect that the current assessment is no longer valid, and

(3) An assessment under subsection (1) or (2) must be suitable and sufficient for the purposes of enabling the accountable person to comply with their duties under section 84.

(4) In this section “the relevant time” means—

(a) the time when the building becomes occupied, or

(b) if later, the time when the person becomes an accountable person for the building.

Management of building safety risks

84

(1) An accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must take all reasonable steps for the following purposes—

(a) preventing a building safety risk materialising as regards the part of the building for which they are responsible;

(b) reducing the severity of any incident resulting from such a risk materialising.

(2) Those steps may in particular involve the accountable person carrying out works to the part of the building for which they are responsible.

(3) When taking the steps the accountable person must act in accordance with prescribed principles.

(4) The steps must be taken promptly.

(5) The accountable person must make and give effect to arrangements for the purpose of ensuring the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of steps taken under this section.

Safety case report

85

(1) The principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant time prepare a report (a “safety case report”) containing—

(a) any assessment of the building safety risks made under section 83 by an accountable person for the building, and

(b) a brief description of any steps taken under section 84 by an accountable person for the building.

(2) The principal accountable person must revise a safety case report if they consider it necessary or appropriate to do so following—

(a) any further assessment under section 83 made by an accountable person for the building, or

(b) the taking of further steps under section 84 by an accountable person for the building.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision about the content and form of safety case reports.

(4) In this section “the relevant time” means—

(a) the time when the building becomes occupied, or

(b) if later, the time when the person becomes the principal accountable person for the building.

Notification and provision of report to the regulator

86

(1) The principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must notify the regulator as soon as reasonably practicable after preparing or revising a safety case report.

(2) Where the regulator asks the principal accountable person to provide it with a copy of the safety case report, the principal accountable person must give a copy of it to the regulator as soon as reasonably practicable.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—

(a) the content and form of notifications under this section;

(b) the way in which a notification or copy of a report must be given.

(4) In this section “safety case report” has the same meaning as in section 85.

Duties relating to information and documents

Mandatory reporting requirements

87

(1) An accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must, in prescribed circumstances, give prescribed information to the regulator by the prescribed time and in the specified way.

(2) The information that may be prescribed is information that relates to a building safety risk as regards the part of the building for which an accountable person is responsible.

(3) In subsection (1) “specified” means specified in a direction given and published by the regulator.

(4) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine.

(5) The principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must establish and operate an effective mandatory occurrence reporting system which complies with prescribed requirements.

(6) A “mandatory occurrence reporting system” is a system for the giving of information to accountable persons for the building for the purpose of enabling them to comply with subsection (1).

(7) Information provided by a person under subsection (1) is not admissible in evidence against that person in criminal proceedings except—

(a) in proceedings for an offence under section 24 or this section,

(b) in proceedings for an offence of perverting the course of justice, or

(i) in giving evidence the person makes a statement inconsistent with the information, and

(ii) evidence as to the information that was provided is adduced, or a question relating to it is asked, by or on behalf of the person.

Keeping information about higher-risk buildings

88

(1) An accountable person for a higher-risk building must—

(a) keep prescribed information in accordance with prescribed standards, and

(b) so far as possible keep such information up to date.

(2) An accountable person for a higher-risk building must keep copies of prescribed documents in accordance with prescribed standards.

(3) Where an accountable person does not hold prescribed information or a copy of a prescribed document, they must obtain it except where it is not practicable to do so.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as to when the duties in subsections (1) to (3) apply.

Provision of information etc to the regulator, residents and other persons

89

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision requiring an accountable person for a higher-risk building to give prescribed information or a copy of a prescribed document to—

(a) the regulator,

(b) another accountable person for the building,

(d) owners of residential units in the building, or

(e) any other prescribed person.

(2) The regulations may in particular make provision about—

(a) when information or a copy of a document must be given;

(b) the way in which information or copy of a document must be given;

(c) the form in which information must be given (and may in particular require that the information is given in an accessible form);

(d) the standards in accordance with which information or a copy of a document must be given.

(3) The regulations may make exceptions to any duty imposed under the regulations.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the regulations may provide that the disclosure of information under this section does not breach—

(a) any obligation of confidence owed by the accountable person in relation to that information;

(b) any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed).

(5) This section does not authorise a disclosure of information if the disclosure would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether a disclosure would do so, take into account the powers conferred by this section).

(6) Where the regulations provide that any information or document must be given to the regulator, they may make provision about the admissibility in any criminal proceedings of the information or document.

Provision of information etc on change in accountable person

90

(1) This section applies where at any time (“the relevant time”) an accountable person for a higher-risk building (the “outgoing person”) ceases to be responsible for all or any part of the building.

(2) The outgoing person must give prescribed information and a copy of any prescribed document to any person who, immediately after the relevant time—

(a) is an accountable person for the building, and

(b) is responsible for a part of the building for which the outgoing person ceased to be responsible at the relevant time.

(3) The information and documents must be given—

(a) by the prescribed time,

(b) in the prescribed way, and

(4) The outgoing person must give prescribed information to the regulator in the prescribed way, as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant time.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), regulations made by the Secretary of State under this section may provide that the disclosure of information under this section does not breach—

(a) any obligation of confidence owed by the outgoing person in relation to that information;

(b) any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed).

(6) This section does not authorise a disclosure of information if the disclosure would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether a disclosure would do so, take into account the powers conferred by this section).

(7) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (2) or (4) commits an offence and is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the maximum summary term for either-way offences or a fine (or both);

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);

and (in either case) is liable on summary conviction to a further fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale for each day on which the default continues after the initial conviction.

Engagement with residents etc

Residents’ engagement strategy

91

(1) The principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must—

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant time prepare a strategy (a “residents’ engagement strategy”) for promoting the participation of relevant persons in the making of building safety decisions;

(b) review the strategy at prescribed times, and revise it if they consider it necessary or appropriate to do so;

(c) in prescribed circumstances, consult relevant persons and prescribed persons on the strategy and take any representations made on the consultation into account when next reviewing the strategy;

(d) act in accordance with the strategy.

(2) “Building safety decision” means a decision by an accountable person for the building that—

(a) is about the management of the building, and

(b) is made in connection with the performance of a duty of the accountable person under, or under regulations made under, this Part.

(3) The strategy must include information about—

(a) the information that will be provided to relevant persons about decisions relating to the management of the building,

(b) the aspects of those decisions that relevant persons will be consulted about,

(d) how the appropriateness of methods for promoting participation will be measured and kept under review.

(4) As soon as reasonably practicable after the strategy is prepared or revised, each accountable person for the building must give a copy of the strategy to—

(a) each resident of the building who—

(i) is aged 16 or over, and

(ii) resides in a residential unit in the part of the building for which the accountable person is responsible;

(b) each owner of a residential unit in that part of the building;

(5) The duty under subsection (4)(a) does not apply in relation to a resident if the accountable person—

(a) is not aware of the resident, and

(b) has taken all reasonable steps to make themselves aware of persons who reside in residential units in the part of the building for which the accountable person is responsible.

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a) make further provision about the content of a residents’ engagement strategy;

(b) make provision about the preparation, review or revision of a residents’ engagement strategy, in cases where there is more than one accountable person for the building;

(d) make provision about consultations under this section.

(7) In this section—

“relevant persons” are— residents of the higher-risk building who are aged 16 or over, and owners of residential units in the building;

“the relevant time” has the meaning given by section 85.

Requests for further information

92

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a resident of an occupied higher-risk building who is aged 16 or over, or

(b) an owner of a residential unit in the building,

makes a request to an accountable person for the building to give them prescribed information or a copy of a prescribed document.

(2) The accountable person must as soon as reasonably practicable give the resident or owner the information or document requested.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about—

(a) the way in which information or a copy of a document must be given under this section;

(b) the form in which information must be given under this section (and may in particular require that the information is given in an accessible form).

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that in prescribed circumstances an accountable person is not required by subsection (2) to provide a copy of a document or some or all of the information requested.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), the regulations may provide that the disclosure of information under this section does not breach—

(a) any obligation of confidence owed by the person making the disclosure, or

(b) any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed).

(6) This section does not authorise a disclosure of information if the disclosure would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether a disclosure would do so, take into account the powers conferred by this section).

Complaints procedure operated by principal accountable person

93

(1) The principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building must as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant time establish and operate a system for the investigation of relevant complaints.

(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the establishment and operation of complaints systems under this section.

(3) The regulations may in particular make provision—

(a) about the way in which complaints may be made;

(b) about the period within which a complaint must be considered and dealt with;

(4) In this section—

“relevant complaint” means a complaint relating to— a building safety risk as regards the building, or the performance by an accountable person for the building of any duty under, or under regulations made under, this Part;

“the relevant time” has the meaning given by section 85.

Complaints procedure operated by the regulator

94

(1) The regulator must establish and operate a system for the investigation of relevant complaints that are made, or referred under section 93, to the regulator.

(2) The regulator must consult the committee mentioned in section 11 (residents’ panel)—

(a) before the complaints system is established or, if the committee has not been established at the time the complaints system is established, as soon as reasonably practicable after the committee is established, and

(b) before making any significant change to the complaints system.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the establishment and operation of the complaints system under this section.

(4) The regulations may in particular make provision about—

(a) the period within which a complaint must be considered and dealt with;

(b) action that the regulator must consider taking in response to a complaint.

(5) In this section “relevant complaint” means a complaint relating to—

(a) a building safety risk as regards an occupied higher-risk building,

(b) the performance by an accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building of any duty under, or under regulations made under, this Part, or

Residents' etc duties

Duties on residents and owners

95

(1) This section applies to—

(a) a resident of a residential unit in an occupied higher-risk building who is aged 16 or over;

(b) an owner of a residential unit in such a building.

(2) A person to whom this section applies—

(a) must not act in a way that creates a significant risk of a building safety risk materialising;

(b) must not interfere with a relevant safety item;

(c) must comply with a request, made by the appropriate accountable person, for information reasonably required for the purposes of a duty under section 83 or 84.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)(b) a person “interferes” with a relevant safety item if they, without reasonable excuse—

(a) damage it,

(b) remove it, or

(4) In this section—

“appropriate accountable person” means the accountable person for the building who is responsible for the part of the building comprising the residential unit;

“relevant safety item” means— anything that— is in, or forms part of, the common parts (as defined by section 72), and is intended to improve the safety of people in or about the building in relation to a building safety risk, or any other prescribed thing.

Contravention notices

96

(1) This section applies where it appears to the appropriate accountable person that a relevant person has contravened or is contravening a duty under section 95(2).

(2) The appropriate accountable person may give a contravention notice to the relevant person.

(3) A “contravention notice” is a notice that—

(a) specifies the alleged contravention;

(b) specifies any steps that the appropriate accountable person considers the relevant person should take in order to remedy the contravention, and a reasonable time for the taking of those steps;

(c) specifies anything that the appropriate accountable person considers the relevant person should refrain from doing, to avoid further contraventions of the duty;

(d) contains an explanation of the steps that the appropriate accountable person may take under this section if the notice is not complied with.

(4) Where it appears to the appropriate accountable person that the relevant person has contravened or is contravening the duty under section 95(2)(b), the contravention notice may require the relevant person to pay to the appropriate accountable person a sum specified in the notice.

(5) A sum may be specified in a contravention notice under subsection (4) only if—

(a) it is necessary to repair or replace the relevant safety item as a result of the contravention, and

(b) the sum specified does not exceed the reasonable cost of repairing or replacing (as the case may be) that item.

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about contravention notices, including—

(a) provision about the form of a notice and the way a notice is to be given, and

(b) further provision about the content of a notice.

(7) The county court may, on an application made by the appropriate accountable person, make an order under this section if satisfied that—

(a) a contravention notice has been given,

(b) the contravention alleged in the notice occurred, and

(8) An order under this section may—

(a) require a relevant person to provide specified information or do a specified thing, by a specified time;

(b) prohibit a relevant person from doing a specified thing;

(c) where a contravention notice requires a sum to be paid under subsection (4), require a relevant person to pay to the appropriate accountable person a specified sum.

“Specified” here means specified in the order.

(9) A sum specified in an order under subsection (8)(c) may not exceed the sum specified in the contravention notice.

(10) In this section—

“appropriate accountable person” has the same meaning as in section 95;

“relevant person” means a person who is subject to the duties under section 95 (see subsection (1) of that section).

Access to premises

97

(1) This section applies where —

(a) an accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building makes a request to a relevant person to enter relevant premises,

(b) the request is made for the purpose of—

(i) facilitating the performance of a duty under section 83 or 84 (assessment of building safety risk etc), or

(ii) determining whether a duty under section 95 (duties on residents and owners) has been contravened,

(d) entry to the premises is not given.

(2) A request is within this subsection if it—

(a) is in writing,

(b) sets out the purpose for which it is made,

(d) requests access to the premises at a reasonable time, and

(e) is made at least 48 hours before the time mentioned in paragraph (d).

(3) The accountable person may apply to the county court for an order—

(a) requiring the relevant person to allow the accountable person, or a person authorised by the accountable person, to enter the relevant premises at a reasonable time for the purpose mentioned in the request, and

(b) if necessary for that purpose, authorising the taking of measurements, photographs, recordings or samples by the accountable person or authorised person.

(4) The county court—

(a) may make an order under subsection (3)(a) or (b) if satisfied that it is necessary to do so for the purpose mentioned in the request;

(b) must, if it does so, specify a date on which, or in a period within which, the accountable person or authorised person may enter the relevant premises for that purpose.

(5) In this section—

“relevant person” in relation to relevant premises means— a resident of those premises who is aged 16 or over; where those premises are controlled but not occupied, a person controlling those premises; in any other case, an owner of those premises;

“relevant premises” means any premises in the part of the building for which the accountable person is responsible that are occupied or controlled by— a resident of a residential unit in the building, or an owner of a residential unit in the building.

Enforcement

Duty on regulator to enforce Part

98

The regulator must enforce the provisions of this Part and regulations made under it.

Compliance notices

99

(1) The regulator may give a compliance notice to an accountable person for a higher-risk building who appears to the regulator to have contravened, be contravening or be likely to contravene a relevant requirement.

(2) A “compliance notice” is—

(a) a notice requiring the accountable person to take specified steps within a specified period, or

(b) a notice requiring the accountable person to remedy the contravention or the matters giving rise to it within a specified period.

(3) A notice of a kind mentioned in subsection (2)(a) may specify any steps relating to—

(a) the remedying of the contravention, or

(b) avoiding the contravention occurring.

(4) Where it appears to the regulator that the contravention has placed or will place people in or about the building in imminent danger, the regulator may specify that the compliance notice is a notice to which this subsection applies (an “urgent action notice”).

(5) A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes a compliance notice commits an offence.

(6) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the maximum summary term for either-way offences or a fine (or both);

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);

and (in either case) is liable on summary conviction to a further fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale for each day on which the default continues after the initial conviction.

(7) In this section—

“relevant requirement” means any requirement on an accountable person under, or under regulations made under, this Part except one that is prescribed for the purposes of this section;

“specified” means specified in the notice.

Compliance notices: supplementary

100

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision about compliance notices.

(2) The regulations may in particular make provision about—

(a) the form and content of notices;

(b) the giving of notices;

(d) the extension of any period specified in a compliance notice for the doing of a thing.

(3) Subsection (4) applies where the regulator has given a compliance notice to an accountable person for a higher-risk building.

(4) The regulator must take reasonable steps to notify—

(a) the local authority for the area in which the building is situated;

(b) the fire and rescue authority for the area in which the building is situated;

(c) where the accountable person for the building is a registered provider of social housing, the Regulator of Social Housing;

(d) any other prescribed person.

Offence: contravention giving rise to risk of death and serious injury

101

(1) An accountable person for a higher-risk building commits an offence if—

(a) without reasonable excuse, the accountable person contravenes a relevant requirement, and

(b) the contravention places one or more people in or about the building at critical risk.

(2) In subsection (1)—

“critical risk” means a significant risk of death or serious injury arising from a building safety risk;

“relevant requirement” means any requirement on an accountable person under, or under regulations made under, this Part except one that is prescribed for the purposes of this section.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the maximum summary term for either-way offences or a fine (or both);

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);

and (in either case) is liable on summary conviction to a further fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale for each day on which the default continues after the initial conviction.

Special measures

102

Schedule 7 provides for the appointment of a special measures manager, to undertake duties under this Part in place of an accountable person, and makes further provision in connection with that appointment.

Appeals etc

Appeals against compliance notice etc

103

(1) A person to whom a compliance notice has been given may appeal to the tribunal.

(2) An appeal may be on the grounds—

(a) that the person has not contravened, is not contravening, or is not likely to contravene, a relevant requirement;

(b) that it is unreasonable to require the person to do any thing specified to be done in the notice.

(3) Where an appeal under subsection (1) is made and the compliance notice is not an urgent action notice—

(a) the compliance notice is of no effect pending the final determination or withdrawal of the appeal, and

(b) the specified period mentioned in section 99(2)(a) is treated as extended by the period—

(i) beginning with the day on which the appeal is made, and

(ii) ending with the day on which the appeal is finally determined or withdrawn.

(4) Where an appeal under subsection (1) is made and the compliance notice is an urgent action notice—

(a) the appellant may apply to the tribunal for a direction that the compliance notice is of no effect pending the final determination or withdrawal of the appeal, and

(b) unless and until any such direction is given, the compliance notice continues to have effect despite the making of the appeal.

(5) A person to whom a compliance notice has been given may apply to the tribunal for an extension of the period for the doing of any thing specified to be done in the notice.

(6) Subsections (3) and (4) apply to such an application as they apply to an appeal under subsection (1).

(7) In this section “urgent action notice” has the meaning given by section 99(4).

Appeals against decisions of the regulator made under this Part

104

(1) This section applies in relation to a decision of the regulator—

(a) not to register a building on an application under section 78(1);

(b) to remove a building from the register under section 78(3);

(d) to give a direction under section 83(2).

(2) An affected person may appeal the decision.

(3) An appeal may be on the grounds—

(a) that the decision was based on an error of fact;

(b) that the decision was wrong in law;

(4) In this section “an affected person” means—

(a) in relation to a decision of the regulator mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1), an accountable person for the higher-risk building (or a person who would be an accountable person for the building if the building were a higher-risk building);

(b) in relation to a decision of the regulator mentioned in paragraph (c) of subsection (1), an accountable person for the higher-risk building;

(c) in relation to a decision of the regulator mentioned in paragraph (d) of subsection (1), the accountable person subject to the direction.

Appeals against decisions of the regulator made under regulations

105

(1) This section applies in relation to a prescribed decision of the regulator made under regulations made under this Part.

(2) A prescribed person may appeal to the tribunal against the decision.

(3) An appeal may be made only on prescribed grounds.

Appeals: supplementary

106

(1) This section applies in relation to an appeal to the tribunal under section 103(1), 104 or 105.

(2) The tribunal—

(a) must consider afresh the decision appealed against, and

(b) may take into account evidence that was not available to the regulator.

(3) The tribunal may confirm, vary or quash the decision of the regulator.

(4) The Secretary of State may, by regulations—

(a) provide for the suspension during the appeal period of the effect of a notice (other than a compliance notice) given or other thing done by the regulator;

(b) make other provision about the effect during the appeal period of an appeal (including provision conferring powers on the tribunal).

(5) In subsection (4) “the appeal period” means the period beginning with the making of the appeal and ending with the final determination or withdrawal of the appeal.

Enforcement of decisions of the First-tier and Upper Tribunal

107

(1) A decision of the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal made under or in connection with this Part is enforceable with the permission of the county court in the same way as an order of that court.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a decision of the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal ordering the payment of a sum (as to which see section 28 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (enforcement)).

Miscellaneous and general

Guidance

108

(1) The regulator may issue guidance about any of the following matters—

(a) the performance of any duties under section 87 (mandatory reporting requirements);

(b) the performance of any duties under section 88 or 89 (duty to keep or give information);

(d) the performance of any duties under section 93 (complaints procedure).

(2) The regulator may revise or withdraw any issued guidance.

(3) Where in any proceedings it is alleged that a person has contravened a provision mentioned in subsection (1)—

(a) proof of a failure to comply with any applicable guidance may be relied on as tending to establish that there was such a contravention, and

(b) proof of compliance with any applicable guidance may be relied on as tending to establish that there was no such contravention.

(4) In any proceedings, a document purporting to be guidance under this section is to be taken to be such guidance unless the contrary is proved.

(5) Guidance under this section may be issued, revised or withdrawn only with the consent of the Secretary of State.

(6) In this section any reference to a provision includes regulations made under the provision.

Cooperation and coordination

109

(1) Subsection (2) applies if there is more than one accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building.

(2) When carrying out their duties under, or under regulations made under, this Part, each accountable person must so far as possible—

(a) cooperate with every other accountable person for the building, and

(b) coordinate with every other accountable person for the building.

(3) Subsection (4)applies to an accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building if there are one or more other persons who are responsible persons within the meaning of article 3 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in relation to the building.

(4) The accountable person must cooperate with each responsible person for the purpose of each responsible person carrying out their duties under the Order.

Managers appointed under Part 2 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987

110

(1) Section 24 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 (appointment of a manager by a tribunal) is amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (2ZA) insert—

(2ZB) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply in respect of a breach of a building safety obligation by an accountable person for a higher-risk building. (2ZC) In this section— - “accountable person” has the meaning given in section 72 of the Building Safety Act 2022; - “building safety obligation” means an obligation of an accountable person under Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022 or regulations made under that Part; - “higher-risk building” has the meaning given in section 65 of the Building Safety Act 2022.

(3) After subsection (2D) (inserted by paragraph 8 (3) of Schedule 7) insert—

(2E) An order under this section may not provide for a manager to carry out a function in relation to a higher-risk building where Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022 or regulations made under that Part provide for that function to be carried out by an accountable person for that building.

Building safety directors of resident management companies

111

(1) This section applies in relation to a resident management company that is an accountable person for a higher-risk building.

(2) The articles of association of the resident management company have effect as if they included such provision as may be prescribed relating to—

(a) eligibility for appointment as a director of the company, for a building safety purpose;

(b) the appointment of a director for such a purpose;

(d) the removal of a director so appointed.

(3) Subsection (2) has effect—

(a) whether or not the provision is adopted by the company;

(b) whether the company was formed before or after the coming into force of this section;

(4) In this section—

“building safety purpose” means the purpose of supporting the resident management company in complying with its duties under this Part or under regulations made under this Part;

“resident management company” has the meaning given by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

Landlord and tenant etc

112

(1) The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (6).

(2) After section 30B insert—

(30C) (1) This section applies to a lease of premises which consist of or include a dwelling in a higher-risk building. (2) In the lease there is implied a covenant by the landlord— (a) where the landlord is an accountable person for the higher-risk building, to comply with their building safety duties; (b) to cooperate with any person in connection with a relevant person complying with their building safety duties; (c) where a special measures order in relation to the higher-risk building is in force, to comply with that order so far as it relates to the landlord. (3) In the lease there is implied a covenant by the tenant— (a) to allow the landlord, a relevant person or a person authorised in writing by the landlord or a relevant person to enter the premises for a relevant building safety purpose; (b) where the tenant is a resident of the higher-risk building, to comply with their duties under sections 95 and 97 of the Building Safety Act 2022; (c) where a special measures order in relation to the higher-risk building is in force, to comply with that order so far as it relates to the tenant. (4) In the covenant implied by subsection (2)(b), “cooperate”, in relation to a person, includes— (a) taking any steps which are reasonably required by the person to facilitate compliance by a relevant person with their building safety duties; (b) where the person is a relevant person (or a person authorised in writing by a relevant person), providing any information (including names and contact details of residents and tenants of the premises) to the person which is reasonably required in connection with the relevant person complying with their building safety duties. (5) In the covenant implied by subsection (3)(a), a relevant building safety purpose means— (a) inspecting the premises in connection with a relevant person complying with their building safety duties; (b) carrying out works to the premises, where such works are required to be carried out in connection with a relevant person complying with their building safety duties; (c) accessing a part of the higher-risk building that is not let to the tenant in order to— (i) inspect that part of the building in connection with a relevant person complying with their building safety duties; (ii) carry out works to that part of the building, where such works are required to be carried out in connection with a relevant person complying with their building safety duties. (6) The covenant implied by subsection (3)(a) requires entry to the premises to be allowed— (a) only at reasonable times, and (b) only if the tenant has been given at least 48 hours’ notice in writing. (7) Except as provided by subsection (8), the disclosure of information in accordance with subsections (2)(b) and (4)(b) does not breach— (a) any obligation of confidence owed by the landlord in relation to that information; (b) any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed). (8) Subsections (2)(b) and (4)(b) do not require a disclosure of information if the disclosure would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether a disclosure would do so, take into account the duty imposed by subsections (2)(b) and (4)(b)). (9) In this section— - “building safety duties”— in relation to an accountable person, means any duties of the accountable person under Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022, or regulations made under that Part of that Act; in relation to a special measures manager, means any duties of the manager included in the special measures order appointing the manager; - “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act); - “relevant person” means— an accountable person for the higher-risk building; a special measures manager for the higher-risk building; - “resident” and “resident of a higher-risk building” have the same meaning as in Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (see section 71(3) and (4)(c) of that Act); - “works” includes alterations, improvements and installations. (30D) (1) This section applies to a relevant lease of premises which consist of or include a dwelling in a higher-risk building. (2) In this section “relevant lease”— (a) means a lease— (i) that is granted for a term certain of 7 years or more, whether or not it is (or may become) terminable before the end of that term by notice given by the tenant or by re-entry or forfeiture, and (ii) under which the tenant is liable to pay a service charge (within the meaning of section 18), but (b) does not include a relevant social housing tenancy. (3) The relevant lease has effect— (a) as if the matters for which the service charge is payable under the lease included the taking of building safety measures by or on behalf of a relevant person (insofar as this would not otherwise be the case), and (b) where the lease contains different methods for apportioning different relevant costs (within the meaning of section 18), as if it provided for any costs for which the tenant is liable by virtue only of paragraph (a) to be apportioned in the same way as costs incurred in connection with insuring the building. (4) “Building safety measure” means any of the following— (a) applying for registration of a higher-risk building in accordance with section 78 of the Building Safety Act 2022; (b) applying for a building assessment certificate in accordance with section 79 of that Act; (c) displaying a building assessment certificate in accordance with section 82 of that Act; (d) assessing building safety risks in accordance with section 83 of that Act; (e) taking reasonable steps in accordance with section 84 of that Act (management of building safety risks), other than steps involving the carrying out of works as referred to in section 84(2); (f) preparing and revising a safety case report in accordance with section 85 of that Act; (g) notifying the regulator of a safety case report, and giving a copy of a safety case report to the regulator, in accordance with section 86 of that Act; (h) establishing and operating a mandatory occurrence reporting system, and giving information to the regulator, in accordance with section 87 of that Act; (i) keeping information and documents in accordance with section 88 of that Act; (j) giving information and documents to any person in accordance with section 89, 90 or 92 of that Act; (k) complying with any duty under section 91 of that Act (residents’ engagement strategy); (l) establishing and operating a system for the investigation of complaints in accordance with section 93 of that Act; (m) giving a contravention notice to a resident, and making an application to the county court, in accordance with section 96 of that Act; (n) making a request to enter premises, or making an application to the county court, in accordance with section 97 of that Act (access to premises). (5) For the purposes of this section any of the following incurred in connection with the taking of a building safety measure are to be regarded as incurred in taking the measure— (a) legal and other professional fees; (b) fees payable to the regulator; (c) management costs. (6) In this section— - “landlord” includes any person who has a right under the lease to enforce payment of a service charge (within the meaning of section 18); - “relevant person” means— if the landlord is an accountable person for the building, the landlord or a special measures manager for the building; otherwise, any superior landlord who is an accountable person for the building or a special measures manager for the building; - “relevant social housing tenancy” has the meaning given in section 132 of the Land Registration Act 2002; - “tenant” includes any person who has an obligation under the lease to pay a service charge (within the meaning of section 18). (7) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument amend subsection (4) so as to add, remove or modify a building safety measure. (8) The regulations may make incidental, transitional or saving provision. (9) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (7) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. (30E) (1) This section applies to a lease of premises which consist of or include a dwelling in a higher-risk building if— (a) the landlord is an accountable person for the building, (b) the landlord is— (i) a resident management company within the meaning of section 111 of the Building Safety Act 2022, or (ii) an RTM company within the meaning of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (right to manage), and (c) the tenant is liable to pay a service charge. (2) The lease has effect— (a) as if it contained provision authorising the appointment of a person (whether or not a leaseholder or a resident of the building) as a director of the landlord for a building safety purpose, (b) as if the matters for which the service charge is payable under the lease included remunerating any director of the landlord appointed for a building safety purpose (insofar as this would not otherwise be the case), and (c) where the lease contains different methods for apportioning different relevant costs (within the meaning of section 18), as if it provided that any costs for which the tenant is liable by virtue only of paragraph (b) to be apportioned in the same way as costs incurred in connection with insuring the building. (3) In this section— - “building safety purpose” means the purpose of supporting the landlord in complying with its duties under Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022 or under regulations made under that Part; - “landlord” includes any person who has a right under the lease to enforce payment of a service charge; - “service charge” has the meaning given by section 18; - “tenant” includes any person who has an obligation under the lease to pay a service charge. (30F) (1) A covenant or agreement, whether contained in a lease to which section 30C (implied terms) applies or in an agreement collateral to such a lease, is void in so far as it purports— (a) to exclude or limit the obligations of the landlord or the tenant under section 30C, or (b) to authorise any forfeiture or impose on the tenant any penalty, disability or obligation in the event of the tenant enforcing or relying upon the obligations of the landlord. (2) A covenant or agreement, whether contained in a lease to which section 30D or 30E applies or in an agreement collateral to such a lease, is void insofar as it purports to modify the effect of section 30D (3) or 30E (2). (30G) The county court has jurisdiction to deal with any claim or other proceedings arising under or in connection with any of sections 30C to 30E (implied terms etc) notwithstanding that by reason of the amount of the claim or otherwise the case would not, apart from this section, be within the jurisdiction of the county court. (30H) In proceedings relating to a breach of a covenant in section 30C (2) or (3) (implied building safety terms), the court may order specific performance of the covenant— (a) notwithstanding any equitable rule restricting the scope of the remedy, whether on the basis of a lack of mutuality or otherwise, and (b) in the case of a breach of a covenant in section 30C (2) or (3)(b) or (c), whether or not the breach relates to a part of the higher-risk building let to the tenant. (30I) In sections 30C to 30H— - “accountable person” has the meaning given in section 115 of the Building Safety Act 2022; - “higher-risk building” has the meaning given in section 115 of that Act; - “lease” does not include a mortgage term; - “special measures manager” has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Schedule 7 to the Building Safety Act 2022; - “special measures order” has the meaning given in paragraph 1 of Schedule 7 to that Act.

(3) After section 20E (inserted by section 133) insert—

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