New proposals will help leaseholders at risk of high bills to fix building safety defects
Summary
The government has set out proposals to expand financial protections for leaseholders facing building and fire safety remediation costs, including widening eligibility from owners of up to three properties to six. The measures also aim to recover remediation costs from cladding manufacturers and strengthen enforcement against those responsible for unsafe buildings.
Why it matters
These proposals affect who may be liable for remediation costs and how quickly unsafe buildings are addressed, both of which are important for surveyors advising on residential blocks and leasehold risk. They also signal further tightening of the building safety regime, with implications for valuation, due diligence and defect reporting.
Key points
- Eligibility for some building safety cost protections would rise from three properties to six.
- Leaseholders who bought a flat as their only home may gain protection where previous ownership circumstances excluded them.
- The government wants to recover remediation costs from cladding manufacturers.
- A legal duty would be placed on those responsible to fix unsafe buildings, with criminal penalties and fines up to £500,000 for non-compliance.
- Authorities could step in to carry out work where responsible parties repeatedly refuse to act.
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