Building safety remains an important consideration for commercial property owners and landlords, particularly where buildings contain residential accommodation.
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced additional responsibilities for certain higher-risk residential buildings in England. These generally include buildings that are at least 18 metres high or have at least seven storeys and contain two or more residential units.
Depending on the building and the parties involved, obligations may include managing fire and structural safety risks, maintaining appropriate records and reporting certain safety incidents.
Although the Act focuses on building safety rather than commercial property generally, it may be relevant to mixed-use developments, buildings with residential units above commercial premises, and property owners with responsibilities for shared areas.
It is also important to consider the terms of the lease. Repairing obligations and requirements to comply with relevant legislation may affect the steps a landlord or tenant needs to take when building safety issues arise.
What should property owners do?
Landlords and property managers should establish whether their buildings fall within the relevant regime, understand their responsibilities and review their lease arrangements. Identifying potential issues early can help reduce the risk of disputes, unexpected costs and delays.
Our Commercial Property team can advise on lease obligations and property-related issues, helping clients understand their responsibilities and manage risk.
