Building Safety Act: What Tenants Need to Know in England

Tenants in England need clear, practical information about how the Building Safety Act affects their home, repairs and safety rights. This guide explains what landlords and building owners must do for higher‑risk buildings, how you can report defects or unsafe conditions, and the steps to take if you do not get a prompt response. It uses straightforward language and shows which official forms and tribunals to use, so renters and tenants can act with confidence when raising concerns about fire risk, structural faults or failed safety measures. If you live in a multi-storey or higher‑risk residential building in England, these rights and actions are especially important.

What the Building Safety Act means for tenants

The Building Safety Act introduced clearer duties for owners and managers of higher‑risk buildings to reduce fire and structural hazards and to provide residents with essential safety information.^[1]

Tenant rights and landlord duties

Your rights and the duties of landlords and dutyholders overlap with tenancy law. For tenancy issues you may also need to consider the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 when pursuing repairs or disputes.^[4][5]

• Landlords and dutyholders must manage building safety and reduce fire and structural risks.
• Tenants are entitled to necessary repairs and maintenance that affect habitability and safety.
• Residents must be given information about safety measures, and landlords must provide resident engagement strategies for higher‑risk buildings.
• Landlords or managers must follow rules on safe entry and privacy when inspecting or accessing flats.

Official forms tenants may use

• First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) application — no single universal form number; use the GOV.UK application guidance to start a residential property case, for example if a landlord fails to take safety action.
• Building Safety Regulator contact and guidance — no numbered tenant form; use this official route to find how to report serious building safety concerns and contact dutyholders when resident safety information is missing.

How to raise a building safety concern

Start by raising the issue in writing with your landlord or building manager, keep records, and follow official guidance on escalation and tribunal applications when necessary.^[2][3]

1. Submit a written safety complaint to your landlord or building manager and keep a dated copy.
2. Collect evidence: take photos, videos and keep a log of problems and any communications.
3. If the landlord does not act, submit an application to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a remedy or order using the GOV.UK application guidance.
4. Call your local authority (environmental health) or emergency services if the defect creates immediate danger.

FAQ

Who enforces the Building Safety Act for residential buildings?

The Building Safety Regulator and local authorities enforce safety standards; tenancy disputes are heard by the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).^[1][3]

Can my landlord refuse repairs that affect safety?

No. Landlords must carry out repairs that affect safety and habitability; you can report failures and, if needed, apply to the tribunal.

What official forms should I use?

Use the GOV.UK guidance to report concerns and the First‑tier Tribunal application process for residential property to make formal applications.^[2]

How-To

1. Write a dated complaint to your landlord describing the safety issue and the steps you want taken.
2. Collect evidence: photos, videos and a log of dates and times when the problem occurred.
3. Follow GOV.UK guidance to escalate and, if needed, submit an application to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
4. Keep copies, contact local housing enforcement for inspection, and call emergency services for imminent risk.

Key Takeaways

• You have clear rights to safety and information in higher‑risk buildings.
• Keep records and evidence for every repair request and safety complaint.
• Use GOV.UK guidance and the First‑tier Tribunal when escalations are needed.

Help and Support / Resources

• Building Safety Act 2022
• GOV.UK: Guidance for residents in higher‑risk buildings
• First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – residential property

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1. [1] Building Safety Act 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. [2] GOV.UK: Guidance for residents in higher‑risk buildings
3. [3] First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) application (GOV.UK)
4. [4] Housing Act 1988 (legislation.gov.uk)
5. [5] Rent Act 1977 (legislation.gov.uk)