Fire safety in flats in England: a guide for residents
During and after fire safety repair work
Your building owner, managing agent or landlord must keep you updated while fire safety work is being planned and carried out.
They should tell you:
- what work is happening
- whether there are any delays or changes
- how long it is expected to take
- who to contact if you have questions or concerns
They must follow the Code of Practice for the remediation of residential buildings. This sets out standards for communicating with residents, managing disruption and handling complaints.
During the work
While work is taking place, there may be disruption in and around your building. This can include:
- scaffolding or other temporary structures
- changes to entrances or access routes
- contractors working in shared areas
Your building owner, managing agent or landlord must explain what is happening and how long any disruption is expected to last.
If you have concerns during the work
If you have concerns while work is taking place, contact your building owner or managing agent.
They must tell you who to contact and how to report problems during the work.
If the issue is not resolved, or you think there is a safety risk, contact your local council or local fire and rescue service.
If your concern is about unsafe cladding, you can also tell Homes England.
After the work is complete
When the work is finished, your building owner, managing agent or landlord must confirm the building is safe.
The work must be checked by qualified professionals to make sure it meets fire safety standards.
You can ask your building owner, managing agent or landlord for confirmation that the work has been completed and the building meets fire safety standards.
Keep this information as you may need it if you sell or remortgage your home.
If you have concerns after the work is finished
If you still have concerns about fire safety after the work is complete, contact your building owner, managing agent or landlord.
If the issue is not resolved you can contact:
- your local council
- your local fire and rescue service
- the Housing Ombudsman, if you live in social housing
Selling or remortgaging your home
You may be asked about fire safety problems or remediation work when you sell or remortgage your home.
You may be asked for information about:
- fire safety problems in the building
- work that has been completed or is planned
- fire risk assessments
- Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW)
- external wall assessments, such as an External Wall System (EWS1) form
- building control completion certificates
Your building owner, managing agent or landlord should tell you what information is available and how to request it.