Regulator of Social Housing fourth quarterly report details fire safety remediation

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has released findings from its fourth quarterly survey on fire safety for buildings over 11 metres in the social housing sector.

As reported by The Regulator of Social Housing, all social landlords are required to provide quarterly updates to RSH and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on fire safety remediation efforts for the buildings they manage.

Out of 17,457 buildings reported, 99% had completed fire risk assessments.

Of these, 11% were found to have life-critical fire safety (LCFS) defects related to their external wall systems (EWS), while 88% showed no such defects.

11% of affected buildings are expected to have remedial work completed within the next six months, with 84% of repairs scheduled for completion in the next five years.

Landlords prioritise high-risk buildings

Some social landlords with multiple affected properties are prioritising fire safety remediation work on buildings considered higher risk.

These projects are often more complex and take longer to complete.

In the meantime, landlords are required to implement interim safety measures to protect tenants until all remediation work is fully finished.

The Regulator of Social Housing continues to monitor how landlords are progressing in their efforts to address LCFS defects.

Monitoring and regulation of fire safety

The RSH will continue its oversight of landlords’ fire safety practices, ensuring that systems and processes remain robust.

Social landlords must rely on accurate and up-to-date fire safety data to manage risks effectively and maintain tenant safety.

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: “This quarterly survey is an important tool in helping us monitor the progress being made by the sector on remediating fire safety defects.

“Fire safety is a fundamental responsibility, and we expect all landlords to take prompt and effective action so that tenants can feel safe in their homes.”

Landlords’ responsibilities towards tenants

Landlords are reminded of their duty to safeguard tenants’ safety while remediation work is being carried out.

Mitigating measures are required to reduce risk during the interim period, before repairs are fully completed.

Perry added: “Boards and councillors have a duty to ensure these plans are delivered.

“Meanwhile, our ongoing regulation, including our programme of inspections and responsive engagement, helps us check that landlords are meeting the outcomes of our standards – including those relating to fire safety.”

Fire safety report reveals progress on social housing buildings 11 metres and above: Summary

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published its fourth quarterly survey on fire safety in 11-metre-plus social housing buildings.

The report revealed that 99% of the 17,457 buildings had undergone fire risk assessments, with 11% showing life-critical fire safety defects related to their external wall systems.

Of the 1,932 affected buildings, 11% are expected to complete remediation work within six months, while 84% are due for completion within five years.

Some landlords are prioritising higher-risk properties for repairs.

The RSH will continue to monitor landlords’ progress and ensure that tenant safety measures remain in place until work is completed.