Agents have a vital role in creating safer living environments

The Welsh Government has recently concluded a public consultation on proposed amendments to Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations, resulting in significant changes that will impact sales and letting agents and building managers. Since 2021, several changes relating to the design and construction phase have already been brought forward, and a Building Safety (Wales) Bill will be introduced before the end of the current Senedd term setting out how building safety should be managed once a building is occupied.

These changes will directly impact property agents who manage entire blocks of flats and those working with management agents when managing individual tenancies. Agents will need to be aware of the new rules and how they impact freeholders, leaseholders, renters and home buyers and sellers. 

What is changing? 

The Welsh Government will update Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 1 and 2 to reflect the following amendments to the guidance, which take effect immediately.   

Expanded ban on combustible materials  

The guidance will be amended to include limits on the combustibility of materials used in walls for residential buildings which have a storey 11-18m above ground level. This is a crucial change that will affect many properties and will likely require agents to check the materials used. The regulations will also be amended to reduce the height threshold for a material change of use. 

The ban on combustible materials in external walls is being extended to include hotels, hostels, and boarding houses, meaning that these buildings must meet the same performance requirements as other residential buildings. 

Evacuation alert systems 

New blocks of flats 18m or more above ground level must include an evacuation alert system. If you manage or sell this type of building, you must ensure these systems are in place. 

Secure information boxes 

Secure information boxes will be required in all new blocks of flats with a storey 11m or more above ground level. Property managers should ensure these are installed and accessible to the fire service. 

Wayfinding signage 

New blocks of flats with a storey 11m or more above ground level will need wayfinding signage for the fire service. Appropriate signage must be in place in the buildings you manage or sell. 

Get further guidance on the Building Regulations from GOV.WALES  →

Next steps for property professionals 

Building managers should review all properties within their portfolios, especially those above 11m, to check compliance with these new measures and identify areas where material changes are required. It may be necessary, to consult with fire safety experts to fully understand the implications of these new regulations and how they apply to specific buildings. 

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