What is the Building Safety Act and what does it mean for you?

in /by

If you’ve heard about the Building Safety Act but you’re not sure what it all means, you’re not alone. At EVML, we want to break down this important legislation in plain English, so you can understand how it affects your home.

Why was the Building Safety Act introduced?

The Building Safety Act became law in 2022. The Act is designed to make buildings, especially taller ones, safer for the people living in them.

Who does it apply to?

If you live in a building that is:

  • Over 18 metres or 7 storeys high, or
  • Has been identified as having safety issues (such as unsafe cladding, missing fire breaks or other structural concerns),

then parts of the Act likely apply to your building and your landlord, freeholder or managing agent.

What does the Act do?

Here are the key things it changes:

  1. Legally puts safety first

It sets out clear legal duties for those responsible for your building (like freeholders and managing agents) to manage and reduce safety risks, especially fire and structural risks.

  1. Creates a new ‘Principal Accountable Person’

Every higher-risk building must have a named Principal Accountable Person. This is the individual or organisation legally responsible for managing building safety and engaging with residents. At East Village, EVML is the Principal Accountable Person for most buildings.

  1. Introduces the ‘golden thread’

This means keeping up-to-date digital records about how your building was built and maintained so there’s a clear picture of its safety over time.

  1. Brings in stronger resident engagement

You have a right to know what’s being done to keep your building safe. The Act requires building managers to share information with residents and involve you in safety decisions. Read our Resident Engagement Strategy here.

  1. Protects leaseholders from unfair costs

The Act introduced protections so leaseholders aren’t automatically responsible for fixing historic safety defects (like unsafe cladding). Costs must now meet strict criteria and developers or building owners may have to pay instead.

What are ‘Higher-Risk Buildings’?

This is a specific term under the Act. It includes residential buildings that are:

  • At least 18 metres or 7 storeys high, and
  • Have at least two residential units

If your building fits this description, it has to be registered with a new national regulator and meet extra safety requirements.

What is the Building Safety Regulator?

This is a new body created under the Act, run by the Health and Safety Executive. It’s there to oversee building safety across the country, ensure standards are met and hold building owners to account.

What does EVML do under the Act?

As a managing agent and Principal Accountable Person for most of the buildings in East Village, EVML is responsible for:

  • Regularly assessing building safety risks
  • Putting measures in place to reduce those risks
  • Keeping up-to-date records
  • Registering higher-risk buildings
  • Engaging with you, our residents, about safety
  • Submitting when requested, Building Safety Cases

We’re committed to being transparent and proactive and ensure your building is safe and compliant.

What can residents do?

  • Stay informed – Check updates from us on your building’s page and read our FAQs.
  • Speak up – If you see anything that concerns you, or you have questions about building safety, let us know.
  • Get involved – Where possible attend our drop-ins or online events.

Still have questions?

We know this is a complex topic, but we’re here to help. If you have any questions about the Building Safety Act or what it means for your home, email us at [email protected].

At EVML, building safety isn’t just a legal duty, it’s about making sure you feel secure and supported in your home.