The Next Major Property Safety Challenge

A new building safety issue is emerging, with fire door inspections and compartmentation set to become a significant concern for landlords and managing agents. Mary-Anne Bowring, managing director at Ringley Group, warns that new regulations under the Fire Safety Act 2021 will introduce stricter inspection requirements, increasing financial pressure on leaseholders

Stricter Fire Safety Regulations Under the Fire Safety Act 2021

The Act mandates regular inspections of external walls, flat front doors, and compartmentation within common areas of buildings. This amendment expands upon the existing Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, broadening property managers' responsibilities and redefining fire doors as common parts of the building rather than individual leaseholder responsibilities.

Rising Costs for Leaseholders and Managing Agents

Leaseholders will face increased service charges due to the expanded inspection requirements. Managing agents must arrange for contractors to inspect fire doors and common areas, and costs may rise if multiple visits are needed due to access restrictions. The additional burden of compartmentation inspections will further strain leaseholders financially.

Building Safety Fund: England vs. Wales

While the UK government has not committed financial support for these expanded inspections, the Welsh Government has pledged to cover surveys beyond cladding issues. This includes assessments of compartmentation and fire door resistance. The disparity in funding between England and Wales highlights inconsistencies in the approach to fire safety remediation

Flat Compartmentation: A Growing Concern

Flat compartmentation, a structural safeguard against fire spread, is now a key focus of the Building Safety Regulator. Without financial assistance, leaseholders may struggle to meet the costs of ensuring their buildings comply with the new stringent fire safety measures.

The Need for Proactive Property Management and Government Intervention

Bowring emphasizes that managing agents must take a proactive approach to these regulatory changes, helping leaseholders navigate the evolving safety requirements. Without government intervention and financial support similar to Wales, leaseholders in England may be left to bear the full financial impact of these essential safety measures.