01329 822 333
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Everybody remembers the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017
It was a tragic event that highlighted exactly what can go wrong when blocks of flats are constructed with unsuitable materials. In this case, the building was clad with combustible polyisocyanurate insulation. Additionally, there were inadequate cavity barriers, which exacerbated the rapid and uncontrolled spread of the fire throughout the tower.
The Government’s response to the fire was to tighten existing regulations around fire safety. Specifically for flats, amendments were made to the Fire Safety Regulations, introducing two key requirements:
- Fire Risk Assessments
Previously, only blocks of flats with common areas were required to have a Fire Risk Assessment. Under the new regulations, all blocks with two or more flats must now have an assessment, and it must include a review of the external walls.
This means every Fire Risk Assessment should now clearly state, in writing, whether any external cladding is present and whether it may need to be replaced. - Fire Door Assessments
All blocks with two or more flats must also now have a Fire Door Assessment to ensure the flat entrance doors comply with new regulations. Any non-compliant doors will need to be replaced.
So, what are the practical consequences of this for anyone buying a flat?
The most immediate issue is cost.
If a building has dangerous cladding that needs to be replaced, and the flat does not fall within the protections provided by the Building Safety Act 2022, then the cost may fall to the leaseholders. In some cases, this cost is minimal – particularly if the management company holds a contingency fund that can cover the work or significantly reduce the individual share. However, in the worst-case scenario, you could be required to personally fund the cladding replacement, with some bills reaching up to £65,000 per flat owner.
A smaller—but still important—issue relates to the Fire Doors. The cost of replacing non-compliant doors will most likely fall entirely on the flat owner. This is because it’s typically a standard lease term that the entrance door is within the ‘demise’ of the flat i.e., the part the owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing. There will also be some disruption during the replacement process.
That said, there are ways to protect yourself.
When we act on your behalf in the purchase of a flat, we ensure that all of the above has been properly addressed—or, at the very least, that you’re proceeding with a clear understanding of any remaining risks.
Buying leasehold can come with pitfalls, but with the right advice, it can work for you.
We can help you navigate each step with confidence and will work tirelessly to ensure a smooth process. To learn more about how our solicitors can help, please get in touch with our friendly team today on 01329 822 333
