Welsh government unveils Building Safety Bill to tackle fire safety

The Welsh government have announced new rules for landlords to tackle fire safety.

The Senedd have unveiled the Building Safety Wales Bill, which could become law in 2027. The bill focuses on improving safety in buildings 11 metres and above, as well as certain HMOs.

As the bill progresses through the Senedd, further details on the specific requirements are expected to be announced.

News rules will give clear duties

The new rules will give clear legal duties for building owners and managers to identify and manage safety risks, including fire and structural hazards.

There will also be new rules for building control professionals, including mandatory registration and a new complaints process to help residents raise concerns if they believe their building is unsafe.

There will also be new duties on residents to do their part to keep buildings safe, such as not blocking escape routes or tampering with safety features.

Legacy of Grenfell Tower

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jane Bryant, says the bill is similar to legislation in England, which came in response to the fire at Grenfell Tower.  

She said: “This bill is part of a wider programme to ensure that buildings in Wales are safer, and that people are protected in their homes.

“The legacy of Grenfell Tower must be meaningful change. We owe it to those who lost their lives, their families, and the survivors to ensure that such a tragedy can never happen again.

“This landmark Bill will fundamentally transform safety in multi-occupied residential buildings across Wales.

“Its key principles are safety, accountability and residents’ voices, and it goes wider and further than existing legislation in other parts of the UK.”

She adds: “It creates clear legal responsibilities for owners and others, gives residents new rights and pathways to raise complaints, enables standards for professional assessments, and provides robust enforcement powers when safety requirements aren’t met.

Understands their responsibilities

Industry body Propertymark says the reforms will only work if supported by clear guidance.

Propertymark said: “We support the Welsh government’s efforts to make buildings safer and more transparent for residents.

“The success of these reforms will depend on clear guidance, strong enforcement, and making sure that everyone involved, from professionals to residents, understands their responsibilities.

“Landlords, freeholders, and managing agents will need to maintain safety records, collaborate with other duty holders, and be prepared to respond to complaints and inspections.”