How the Building Safety Act Is Changing the Industry

Last Updated on 12 May 2025 by Editorial Team

In This Article

Introduction to the Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents one of the most significant overhauls in building regulations in the UK’s recent history. Aimed at transforming how high-risk buildings are designed, constructed, and managed, the legislation introduces a tighter regulatory framework to ensure buildings are safer for residents. It doesn’t just tinker around the edges – it fundamentally rewrites how responsibilities are assigned and enforced across the entire building lifecycle.

The Act applies primarily to buildings that are over 18 metres in height or have more than seven storeys and contain at least two residential units. However, its influence reaches far beyond just the high-rises. Commercial developers, landlords, leaseholders, contractors, designers, and even residents now find themselves woven into the regulatory web of responsibilities.

At its core, the Building Safety Act is about protecting life. It ensures that those who live in high-rise buildings are not left vulnerable due to poor design, construction flaws, or lack of oversight. The Act introduces new roles, imposes higher standards, and enables the government to enforce compliance with more bite than ever before.

This guide is here to break it all down – no legalese, no jargon – just the essential facts, explained clearly. Whether you’re a landlord worried about liability, a resident wondering about your rights, or a developer trying to make sense of the changes, you’re in the right place.

Why Was the Building Safety Act Introduced?

Before the Building Safety Act, building regulations in the UK were seen as fragmented and, in many cases, ineffective. The tragic events of the past exposed gaping holes in accountability and safety practices, especially when it came to tall residential buildings. Construction shortcuts, lack of transparency, and inadequate maintenance practices created an unsafe environment that put lives at risk.

One major flaw was the lack of clear accountability. Who was in charge of ensuring a building was safe? Often, no one knew. That changed with the introduction of this Act, which legally defines the roles and responsibilities of duty holders throughout the design, construction, and occupation of high-risk buildings.

Additionally, the pre-Act landscape lacked a central regulator with the authority to oversee and enforce building safety in a consistent and structured way. Enter the Building Safety Regulator, established under the Act to be the enforcement arm that ensures rules are followed.

So, to sum it up – the Act was introduced to fix a broken system. It provides a legislative backbone to ensure buildings are constructed safely, maintained properly, and that the residents living in them are heard and protected.

The Grenfell Tower Tragedy and Its Role

You can’t talk about the Building Safety Act without addressing the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017. This horrific tragedy claimed 72 lives and exposed catastrophic failures in the UK’s building safety regime. The cladding used on the tower, combined with the lack of effective fire prevention measures, led to the rapid spread of flames and the heartbreaking loss of life.

Grenfell was a turning point – not just in public consciousness but in government action. An independent review led by Dame Judith Hackitt highlighted major flaws in the regulatory system. Her report, published in 2018, called for a complete overhaul. One key takeaway? The entire culture of the construction and housing sector needed to change.

The Building Safety Act is, in many ways, the legislative embodiment of that cultural shift. It’s about learning from Grenfell and ensuring it never happens again. The Act gives teeth to accountability and puts legal duties in place so that every stage of a building’s life – from planning to occupancy – is managed with safety as the number one priority.

Key Objectives of the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act is not just a reaction to past failures; it’s a forward-looking framework designed to build a safer future. But what are its specific goals?

First and foremost, it aims to raise safety standards in the construction and ongoing management of high-risk buildings. It forces stakeholders – developers, landlords, and managing agents to take safety seriously, with no shortcuts or ambiguity.

Secondly, the Act brings in transparency and accountability. No more hiding behind legal loopholes or unclear responsibilities. If you’re the “Accountable Person” for a building, you’re on the hook, legally, for keeping it safe. That accountability doesn’t stop at construction; it follows the building for its entire lifecycle.

A third, and perhaps less-discussed goal, is to rebuild trust. After Grenfell, public confidence in the construction and housing sectors plummeted. By setting higher standards, enforcing compliance, and protecting residents financially (more on that later), the government hopes to restore faith in the system.

In summary, the Act seeks to:-

Prevent another Grenfell-level disaster.
Create a culture of responsibility in the housing and construction sectors.
Put residents at the heart of building safety.

Scope and Applicability of the Building Safety Act

So, who exactly needs to pay attention to the Building Safety Act? Spoiler: it’s more people than you might think.

The Act primarily applies to “Higher-Risk Buildings” – those over 18 metres or seven storeys in height, and containing at least two residential units. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Anyone involved in the design, construction, management, or maintenance of a building has responsibilities under the Act. This includes:-

Developers and builders
Architects and design professionals
Property managers and agents
Landlords and freeholders
Leaseholders
Occupants/residents

Even if your building doesn’t meet the “higher-risk” criteria, parts of the Act still apply – especially around accountability, safety protocols, and remediation responsibilities. In fact, all new builds must now follow stricter planning and approval processes, with documentation known as the “Golden Thread” (which we’ll cover shortly).

The Act casts a wide net, and rightly so. Safety isn’t optional, and now, legally, it’s not negotiable either.

The Role of the Accountable Person

When it comes to maintaining building safety under the Building Safety Act 2022, the Accountable Person (AP) is at the heart of it all. But who exactly is this person, and what do they do?

In simple terms, the Accountable Person is legally responsible for ensuring that fire and structural safety risks are properly managed in high-rise residential buildings. This includes identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate them, and communicating clearly with residents about ongoing safety measures.

But it’s not always just one person. If a building has multiple ownership layers – say, a freeholder and a management company – they might both be considered Accountable Persons under the Act. And if there are multiple parties involved, a Principal Accountable Person (PAP) is appointed to take the lead.

The key duties of the AP include:

Registering the building with the Building Safety Regulator.
Preparing and maintaining the Safety Case Report, which outlines safety risks and how they are being managed.
Keeping up-to-date records (part of the Golden Thread).
Implementing and overseeing the Resident Engagement Strategy.
Ensuring that remediation and repairs are carried out when needed.

This is a legal duty, not a suggestion. Failing to meet these obligations could lead to criminal charges, substantial fines, or being barred from managing high-risk buildings in the future. The introduction of this role is one of the most transformational aspects of the Building Safety Act – it ensures there’s no longer a faceless system when something goes wrong.

Accountable Persons must work closely with residents, the regulator, and sometimes emergency services to guarantee the building remains safe for those who live there. Transparency and ongoing management are the two pillars they must uphold.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR)

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is the newly established watchdog created by the Act, and it operates under the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its role is to enforce the new safety rules, oversee compliance, and drive cultural change in the building industry.

The BSR is responsible for:

Registering high-risk buildings.
Overseeing the design and construction of new developments.
Enforcing building safety laws through investigations and penalties.
Maintaining a national system for monitoring safety risks in buildings.
Supporting residents in resolving safety concerns and complaints.

This isn’t a hands-off agency. The BSR has sweeping powers to investigate safety breaches and penalize non-compliance. If building owners or managers neglect their duties, the BSR can issue Compliance Notices, Stop Notices, and even initiate criminal prosecution if necessary.

What sets the BSR apart is its proactive approach. It won’t just respond to disasters – it aims to prevent them by holding those responsible for safety to account before something goes wrong. It has a mandate to educate, regulate, and enforce, which gives it a much broader scope than previous regulators.

For residents, the BSR is a resource they can turn to when their safety concerns are being ignored. For landlords and developers, it’s a powerful entity watching every move. In either case, its existence marks a major shift in how safety will be governed going forward.

The Golden Thread of Information

The term “Golden Thread” might sound poetic, but in the context of the Building Safety Act, it’s a very practical concept. It refers to the continuous and secure record of building information—from the design phase all the way through construction, occupation, and beyond.

This data must be:

Accurate: Up-to-date and reflective of the current condition and layout of the building.
Accessible: Available to those who need it – regulators, maintenance staff, and residents.
Secure: Protected against tampering or loss.

What kind of information is included in the Golden Thread?

Architectural and structural plans.
Fire risk assessments.
Safety case documentation.
Maintenance records.
Changes or modifications made to the building post-completion.

Maintaining this thread ensures that anyone who is responsible for the building at any stage has access to vital safety information. It reduces the risks of miscommunication and makes it easier to identify hazards before they become dangerous.

For example, if a new manager takes over a residential tower, the Golden Thread gives them instant insight into the building’s history, risks, and current safety protocols. No more guesswork or assumptions. It’s a full, transparent account of the building’s journey.

In the long term, this digital-first approach is expected to revolutionize the construction and property management industries by promoting transparency, accountability, and better decision-making across the board.

Gateway Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

The Building Safety Act introduces a three-step Gateway Process for high-risk buildings to ensure that safety is considered at every stage – from planning to occupation. Let’s walk through each step.

Gateway One: Planning Application Stage

At this stage, developers must show that fire safety has been embedded into the planning process. The requirements include:

A Fire Statement detailing how fire safety has been considered in the design.
Early engagement with fire safety professionals.

This ensures that safety isn’t an afterthought – it’s part of the blueprint from day one.

Gateway Two: Before Construction Begins

Before work can start, developers must seek approval from the BSR. They need to submit:

Detailed plans and specifications.
Evidence of how they’ll manage safety during construction.
Proof that those doing the work are competent professionals.

No approval, no construction. Simple as that!

Gateway Three: Post-Construction/Pre-Occupation

Once the building is finished, it must be signed off by the BSR before residents can move in. This involves:

A thorough review of the As-Built Safety Case.
Inspection of the completed structure.
Confirmation that the building meets all regulatory requirements.

Only when the BSR is satisfied will the building be registered for occupation.

Together, these Gateways represent a rigorous new standard that puts resident safety first and makes cutting corners virtually impossible.

Resident Engagement Strategy

One of the most human-focused features of the Building Safety Act is the requirement for a Resident Engagement Strategy. This isn’t just about putting up notices in the lobby. It’s about actively involving residents in decisions related to their building’s safety.

The goal is twofold:

Ensure that residents understand how their building is being kept safe.
Provide them with meaningful ways to raise concerns and give feedback.

Landlords and managing agents must:

Develop a communication plan.
Host regular meetings or forums.
Offer multiple channels (online, print, face-to-face) for engagement.
Respond to residents’ questions in a timely and respectful manner.

Residents, in turn, are expected to participate – reporting hazards, attending safety briefings, and cooperating with inspections. It’s a two-way street that builds trust and accountability.

More importantly, it marks a cultural shift. Residents are no longer treated as passive tenants; they are empowered stakeholders with a right to know and a voice to be heard.

Building Safety Charges

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduces the concept of Building Safety Charges, which are specific costs that leaseholders may be required to pay to cover building safety measures. While the term might sound straightforward, it has created a fair bit of confusion and concern, especially among residents worried about surprise bills or escalating charges.

Let’s break it down clearly.

These charges are separate from regular service charges and can only be used to fund safety-related work or obligations under the Act. Examples of what these charges might include:

Fire door replacements
Safety inspections or structural assessments
Installation or upkeep of fire alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting
Maintaining fire escape routes or cladding remediation (if applicable)

Landlords and building managers must follow a strict set of rules when issuing these charges:

They must consult leaseholders in advance.
A transparent breakdown of the charges must be provided.
Only reasonable costs that directly relate to safety can be recovered.

There’s also a cap on the amount that can be charged to leaseholders in certain scenarios, especially where the remediation work relates to historical defects. The Act is designed to protect leaseholders from being unfairly burdened with costs that should rightly fall on developers or owners.

In short, building safety is no longer a grey area of hidden costs. Every penny must be justified, documented, and clearly explained to those footing the bill. This is a huge step toward transparency and financial protection for residents, many of whom were previously left in the dark.

Remediation Costs and Leaseholder Protections

Before the Act, thousands of leaseholders were stuck in limbo – unable to sell, remortgage, or afford the massive bills required to fix cladding and fire safety issues. The Building Safety Act finally delivers strong protections for leaseholders, ensuring they’re no longer unfairly held financially responsible for dangerous construction practices they had no part in.

Here’s how the Act protects leaseholders:

Cost Caps and Exemptions

Leaseholders in buildings above 11 meters or five storeys are protected from paying most remediation costs, especially related to cladding.
Where costs are passed on, there is a cap: typically £10,000 outside London and £15,000 within London – spread over 10 years.

Developer Levies and Contributions

The Act introduced the Building Safety Levy and Developer Pledge, requiring developers to contribute to a remediation fund.
Over 50 major housebuilders have already signed on to fix their unsafe buildings without passing costs onto leaseholders.

Remediation Orders and Remediation Contribution Orders

These are legal tools that force the responsible party (builder, developer, or owner) to fix safety defects or reimburse leaseholders for expenses.

Legal Responsibility Lies with Those Who Built or Own

If you didn’t cause the problem, the law now says you shouldn’t be the one to pay for it. This core principle is reshaping who holds the burden of rectifying unsafe buildings.

This portion of the Act reflects a long-overdue correction in housing policy – one that acknowledges the emotional and financial stress endured by leaseholders and seeks to bring justice to a broken system.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Building Safety Act is not just a set of suggestions. It has real teeth, and those who fail to comply can face serious penalties, both civil and criminal.

Let’s break it down.

Civil Penalties

The Building Safety Regulator can issue Compliance Notices and Stop Notices.
Compliance Notices require the responsible party to correct a safety failure within a specific timeframe.
Stop Notices halt construction or occupation until serious issues are resolved.
Failure to follow these orders can lead to hefty financial penalties, potentially reaching unlimited fines.

Criminal Offenses

Certain breaches, especially those that endanger lives or involve willful negligence, can lead to criminal prosecution.
Individuals, not just companies, can be prosecuted – including directors, landlords, and managing agents.
In the worst cases, courts can issue prison sentences of up to two years for failure to comply.

Naming and Shaming

The regulator maintains a public register of enforcement actions, which can damage reputations and affect business operations.

What does all this mean in practice? It means that ignoring your duties is no longer a slap-on-the-wrist issue. The law will not hesitate to hit you with financial or criminal consequences if you put lives at risk or try to sidestep your responsibilities.

This new level of accountability is one of the key strengths of the Building Safety Act. It ensures safety isn’t optional, and for the first time, makes accountability enforceable.

Digital Recordkeeping and Compliance Technology

With a law as extensive as the Building Safety Act, keeping up with documentation might sound overwhelming. Thankfully, the Act embraces modern solutions with a strong emphasis on digital recordkeeping.

This is where compliance technology comes in.

The Golden Thread Goes Digital

All safety-related information must be stored digitally in a format that is:

Easy to access by relevant parties (regulators, contractors, residents).
Secure against tampering or data loss.
Updated in real-time to reflect current building conditions.

What Kind of Tech Are We Talking About?

Cloud-based platforms that manage and store building data.
Mobile apps for real-time safety reporting.
Digital twin models that simulate a building’s structure for ongoing risk assessment.
Audit trail systems to track who did what and when.

This push toward digital compliance does more than simplify management – it creates a culture of continuous safety, where data drives better decision-making and helps avoid life-threatening oversights.

Benefits of Digital Compliance:

Saves time and paperwork.
Reduces human error.
Makes audits smoother and less stressful.
Builds trust with residents by sharing up-to-date safety info.

As the property industry continues to digitize, staying ahead with tech-based compliance tools isn’t just smart – it’s essential for meeting the Act’s expectations and avoiding penalties.

Impacts of the Building Safety Act on the Construction Industry

The Building Safety Act isn’t just a legal change – it’s a full-on industry disruptor. Its effects ripple across every corner of the UK’s construction ecosystem.

For Developers and Contractors

They must now demonstrate competency at every stage, from planning to handover.
Designs must prioritize fire and structural safety from the outset.
Documentation must be detailed, accurate, and stored digitally as part of the Golden Thread.

This means fewer shortcuts, more oversight, and greater accountability – especially for those working on high-rise or high-risk buildings.

For Architects and Designers

They are expected to embed safety into their plans.
Must comply with Gateway approvals.
Could face penalties if design flaws compromise safety later down the line.

For Small Builders and Subcontractors

The competency requirements may seem daunting, but they offer an opportunity to upskill and modernise.
Those who invest in training, technology, and safety-first practices will stand out – and thrive.

The Building Safety Act encourages a culture shift from reactive to proactive, from vague to precise, from cheap to safe. For many, it will be challenging. But for those ready to evolve, it represents an exciting chance to lead the future of safer, smarter construction in the UK.

Legal Repercussions and Disputes

The Building Safety Act introduces new legal avenues that make it easier, and in some cases, unavoidable, for disputes to end up in the courtroom. Whether you’re a developer, freeholder, landlord, or leaseholder, you should understand the legal risks tied to non-compliance, cost disputes, or building defects.

Common Legal Scenarios Under the Act

Failure to Register a High-Risk Building
Building owners or accountable persons who don’t register high-rise properties with the BSR may face enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.
Disputes Over Building Safety Charges
Leaseholders have the right to challenge unfair safety-related charges through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). If a landlord tries to pass along unreasonable costs, legal battles can follow.
Contractor Negligence Claims
If a contractor fails to follow safety regulations and this results in financial loss or risk to residents, legal recourse is now more accessible due to clearer liabilities.
Remediation Delays or Refusals
Freeholders who refuse to carry out mandated remediation may be subject to Remediation Orders or Contribution Orders, holding them accountable in court.
Criminal Prosecutions for Safety Failures
As outlined earlier, serious breaches can result in criminal charges. This makes it even more critical for organizations to document compliance and risk mitigation.

Preparing for Legal Compliance

Maintain detailed records of all safety procedures and decisions.
Ensure safety assessments are carried out by qualified professionals.
Engage a legal advisor if you’re unsure of your responsibilities under the Act.

This area of building law is evolving rapidly, and ignorance is no defense. Building owners, contractors, and property managers should act now to align with legal standards – not just to avoid penalties, but to protect residents and their business reputations.

Future Outlook and Revisions of the Building Safety Act

Though the Building Safety Act 2022 is already transforming the UK property landscape, this is just the beginning. The government has made it clear that building safety reform is an ongoing mission, and further changes are expected.

What’s Coming in 2025 and Beyond?

- Secondary legislation will continue to refine how certain parts of the Act are implemented.
- The Building Safety Levy framework is likely to expand, with more developers brought into its scope.
- Data integration systems may become standardized across the sector to streamline the Golden Thread.
- New requirements for mid-rise buildings (11–18m) could increase regulatory pressure on smaller property owners.

Industry Response So Far

The property and construction sectors have responded to the Building Safety Act with a mix of caution and compliance. While major developers have largely embraced the changes, especially those tied to the Developer Pledge, smaller operators are still catching up. Industry associations are calling for support and training to help everyone meet the new expectations.

In truth, this Act lays the groundwork for a completely different way of thinking about buildings: not just as structures, but as living environments that must be actively managed for safety.

The changes may be complex, but the goal is simple – never another Grenfell!

Conclusion – The Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act is a landmark moment in UK housing and construction policy. It’s more than just a set of rules, it’s a systemic reset. From the ashes of tragedy, the Act rises as a framework built on accountability, transparency, and most importantly, the protection of human life.

Whether you’re a landlord, builder, architect, or resident, the message is clear: building safety is no longer a grey area. It’s a legal obligation backed by regulatory oversight, financial responsibility, and the ever-watchful eye of the Building Safety Regulator.

Yes, the new duties are demanding. Yes, the documentation is more rigorous. But that’s exactly the point. If it prevents another disaster, it’s worth every extra form, every digital record, and every hard conversation.

So, take the time to understand your role. Invest in the right tools and training. Communicate openly with residents. And above all, keep safety at the heart of everything you do.

Because from now on, there are no shortcuts to safety.

FAQs – Building Safety Act

1. What is the Building Safety Act 2022 in simple terms?

It’s a UK law introduced to make high-rise buildings safer. It defines clear responsibilities for building owners, sets up a regulator, and enforces strict rules for construction, design, and ongoing safety management.

2. Who is responsible for building safety under the Act?

The law introduces the role of the “Accountable Person”, usually a building owner or manager, who must manage safety risks and comply with all legal duties under the Act.

3. Are homeowners affected by the Building Safety Act?

Yes, especially if they live in high-rise buildings. The Act affects leaseholders, landlords, and residents by changing how safety costs are handled and who is responsible for safety.

4. What buildings are exempt from the Building Safety Act?

The most detailed provisions apply to high-risk residential buildings over 18m or seven storeys. Low-rise and single-family homes are mostly exempt, but some safety rules still apply to new constructions.

5. How can I make sure my building complies?

Register with the Building Safety Regulator, conduct safety assessments, maintain digital records, and keep open communication with residents. Seeking legal or professional help is also highly advised.

Need Help With Design & Construction Of Commercial Property?

We hope you found our article about the Building Safety Act both interesting and informative. If you require any help or assistance with the design and construction of your commercial property anywhere in the UK, or need help with the re-design or refurbishment of an existing space, then we can come to the rescue with our range of services for retail, dental, and hospitality to include restaurants and pubs/bars.

We provide the complete package for your ultimate convenience including design, project management, construction and fit out, together with the provision and installation of furniture & equipment, commercial flooring, electrics & lighting, plumbing and HVAC/AC Systems.

So please get in touch and we’ll be very happy to talk you through the services we provide and offer our advice and expertise on commercial building projects.

So call us for a chat on 0161 503 9075, or use our contact form to email us. If you’d like to see what some of our customers have to say about our services, then you can read our reviews on Google.