Fire safety remediation survey identifies 1,920 buildings with critical issues

The Regulator of Social Housing has reported that 1,920 buildings in the social housing sector in England have a life-critical fire safety defect linked to their external wall system.

According to the latest quarterly data published on 20 March 2025, 17,299 buildings over 11 metres in height were reported by landlords.

Of these, 11.1% were identified as having a life-critical fire safety (LCFS) defect related to the external wall system.

The data was gathered during the Q3 2024/2025 survey, which ran from 13 December 2024 to 22 January 2025 and covers reporting as of 31 December 2024.

Most remediation expected within five years, though delays remain

73.6% of buildings with LCFS defects are expected to be remediated within five years.

However, the Regulator noted that completion dates for 21.1% of affected buildings extend beyond ten years or remain unclear.

Landlords said that delays were caused by complex legal arrangements, difficulties in sourcing contractors and issues in the supply chain.

Remediation work has begun on 355 buildings, or 18.5% of the total affected.

Monitoring continues across all landlords with relevant buildings

Landlords are required to submit quarterly data to the Regulator and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

They are expected to maintain accurate records and ensure risk mitigation measures are in place while remediation work is ongoing.

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at the Regulator of Social Housing, said: “Tenants’ health and safety is non-negotiable and we have a number of tools at our disposal – including these surveys, as well as proactive inspections and responsive engagement – to make sure landlords are making the necessary progress on fire safety remediation.

“Boards and councillors have a duty to seek assurance that landlords are meeting legal obligations for building safety, and that risks are being well managed and promptly remedied.

“This includes any risks to tenants while work has not been completed.”

Data shows historical and ongoing remediation progress

Since 14 June 2017, a total of 2,545 buildings have been identified with an LCFS external wall defect.

Of these, 625 buildings (24.6%) have already been remediated.

An additional 123 buildings (4.8%) have had works completed and are awaiting a new building works assessment.

A total of 478 buildings (24.9%) are reported to have had remediation works either started or completed.

In the most recent quarter, 29% of landlords (434 in total) reported owning at least one relevant building, with most being large landlords with 1,000 or more units.

Fire safety remediation: RSH reports 1,920 buildings with critical external wall defects: Summary

The Regulator of Social Housing published quarterly fire safety remediation data on 20 March 2025.

It reported that 11.1% of the 17,299 relevant buildings in England’s social housing sector have a life-critical fire safety defect related to external wall systems.

The data, covering Q3 2024/2025, showed that 73.6% of affected buildings are expected to be remediated within five years.

Remediation has started on 355 buildings.

Since June 2017, 2,545 buildings have been identified with external wall defects.

Of these, 625 have been remediated and 123 have completed work awaiting assessment.

406 buildings have a completion date beyond ten years or an unclear timeline.

The report stated that delays stem from legal, contractor and supply chain issues.

434 landlords reported at least one relevant building this quarter, mostly large providers.

The Regulator continues to monitor remediation progress through surveys, inspections and engagement with landlords.