Building Safety Regulator Announces Simpler Approach to Higher-Risk Building Assessments

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has announced over the summer changes to how it will assess higher-risk buildings by introducing a more proportionate approach that will reduce complexity while maintaining resident safety.

The announcement follows feedback from managing agents, resident-led management companies, financial institutions and other stakeholders who highlighted that the original Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) process had become costly, time-consuming and difficult to navigate.

What is changing?

The BSR will adopt a more intelligence-led and risk-based approach rather than dealing with large numbers of buildings for assessment with updated guidance expected due in autumn/winter 2026.

The regulator will:

• Focus on higher-risk buildings where there is the greatest need

• Prioritise applications that are already being reviewed

• Provide greater support for resident-led Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) such as Right to Manage companies and Resident Management Companies

• Introduce clearer guidance and assessment criteria

• Explore faster reassessments for buildings that have previously been refused certification

What does this mean for leaseholders?

The announcement is encouraging for leaseholder and is welcomed by London Block Management.

A streamlined assessment process should reduce unnecessary professional costs and administrative burdens that are passed on service charges.

Most importantly these changes do not reduce building safety standards and the legal responsibilities placed on Principal Accountable Persons and Accountable Persons remain the same.

What does this mean for resident directors?

Many resident directors volunteer their time to help manage their buildings and have found the Building Safety Act requirements challenging due to its complexity.

The BSR has recognised this by committing additional support for resident-led organisations helping them better understand responsibilities and prepare assessment information.

For directors this should mean:

• Clearer guidance from the regulator

• A more proportionate assessment process

• Less uncertainty around compliance requirements

• Better support throughout the assessment process

Industry reaction

Lord Roe, chair of the Building Safety Regulator, said: "We recognise the first rollout of the building assessment certificate regime presented significant challenges and costs for duty holders, with determination times and refusal rates falling short of our expectations.

“This shift in strategy and our longer-term plans are a clear and practical targeted package of measures to reset the system.

“By doing this and supporting all accountable persons to carry out their essential and ongoing legal duties, we can ensure many high-rise residents see the high safety standards they deserve and expect, without facing additional financial burdens."

Morven McCaig-Cook, director at London Block Management, welcomed the announcement: "We welcome this more proportionate approach from the Building Safety Regulator.

“The Building Safety Act introduced significant changes and while improving resident safety must always remain the priority the original assessment process proved highly complex for many resident-led organisations.

“These proposed changes are a positive step forward. By simplifying the process and providing clearer guidance we hope to see reduced professional costs that ultimately benefit leaseholders and the service charge funds they contribute to.

“Supporting resident directors through a smoother, more practical process while maintaining the highest standards of safety is something we fully welcome."

Looking ahead

To be clear those responsible for higher-risk buildings must still continue to comply with their legal duties under the Building Safety Act.

The latest announcement is a welcome sign that the regulator is listening to industry feedback and taking practical steps to make compliance more straightforward without compromising on resident safety.

Our experienced in-house health and safety team works closely with directors to ensure buildings remain compliant and delivering cost-effective management whilst maintaining safety standards.

Get in touch with London Block Management today if you'd like to discuss your building or learn how we can support your directors’ board.

The link to the official UK Government communications regarding this update can be found here.

This article was based on information available in Summer 2026. Requirements and implementation dates may be subject to further regulator and government guidance.