The Build Safety Act 2022

Why the Building Safety Act 2022 Matters – And Who It Affects

The Building Safety Act 2022 is a landmark piece of legislation introduced by the UK Government in response to the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. That devastating event exposed serious failings in building safety regulations, construction practices, and accountability across the housing sector. In its wake, there was a national outcry for reform, and the Building Safety Act is the government’s answer.

Why Was the Building Safety Act Created?

The Grenfell Tower fire claimed 72 lives and revealed catastrophic gaps in how building safety was being managed, particularly in high-rise and high-risk residential buildings. Flammable cladding, poor workmanship, lack of proper inspections, and confusing chains of responsibility contributed to the disaster.

The Act was created to:

• Improve accountability at every level of the construction and housing chain.

• Protect leaseholders and residents from unsafe building practices.

• Ensure a clear ‘Golden Thread’ of building information from design through to occupation.

• Tighten regulation around the construction, refurbishment, and management of buildings.

In short: to prevent another Grenfell.

Who Does the Building Safety Act Affect?

The Act impacts everyone involved in the lifecycle of a building, especially higher-risk buildings (those over 18 metres or 7 storeys, with at least two residential units). Here’s a breakdown:

🧱 Developers and House Builders

• Must meet stricter safety standards and prove competency.

• Are now subject to increased scrutiny and liable for defects for up to 15 years retrospectively.

• Can be forced to remediate unsafe buildings, with costs that previously fell to leaseholders.

🏢 Building Owners and Landlords

• Must register high-rise buildings with the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

• Are responsible for ensuring buildings are safe and compliant throughout their lifespan.

• Must create and maintain the Golden Thread of safety information.

👷‍♀️ Contractors, Designers and Site Managers

• Must demonstrate that their work meets building regulations and fire safety standards.

• Are required to “design out” risk early in the planning and construction stages.

• Can face criminal charges for negligence or non-compliance.

🧑‍💼 Accountable Persons and Building Safety Managers

• A new legal duty has been placed on these roles to identify, assess, and mitigate building safety risks.

• They must engage residents, manage fire and structural risks, and report to the BSR.

🏠 Homebuyers and Leaseholders

• Now have more legal protection against being hit with remediation bills for historical safety defects.

• Can hold developers and landlords accountable under the new regime.

• Must still be aware of their own responsibilities regarding safety and maintenance.

Why This Act Is So Important

This isn’t just a technical upgrade to regulations, it’s a cultural shift in how we think about building safety. The Act creates a duty to care, not just to build. It ensures that people’s homes are safe, properly maintained, and that there is nowhere for poor practices to hide.

As someone passionate about transparency, accountability, and protecting new homebuyers, I believe this Act is a vital step forward. But the success of the legislation depends on enforcement and education, which is why I’m here to break it down for you.

In Summary

• The Building Safety Act 2022 was born from the lessons of Grenfell.

• It holds developers, builders, and landlords accountable.

• It gives more rights and protection to leaseholders and residents.

• It demands competence, transparency, and a long-term view of building safety.

  
  

If you’re buying a new home, managing a building, or working in construction, you need to understand how this Act affects you. Because building safety is not just a legal requirement, it’s a moral one.