BSR launches registration of high-rise residential buildings

The Building Safety Regulator has opened the registration process for high-rise residential buildings in England.

It is a legal requirement under the Building Safety Act 2022 for all high-rise residential buildings 18 metres tall or higher, or at least 7 storeys tall, with two or more residential units to be registered with the Building Safety Regulator by 1 October 2023.

The Principal Accountable Person (PAP) for each building, or someone authorised by them, is required to complete the registration process. The registration service is now open.

Building information required includes a range of recently confirmed ‘key building information’, extending to:

• The presence and use of any ancillary buildings
• The materials used in the building composition, including any external wall insulation and roofing
• The main structural materials and structural design of the building
• The presence and number of storeys and staircases
• A description of evacuation strategies in place for the building, including fire and smoke detection equipment.

The regulator estimates that there are around 12,500 buildings in England that are defined as ‘higher-risk’, and which all must be registered by in the six-month period.

Matthew Scott, CIH policy and practice officer said: "While this is a key and welcome milestone in the new building safety regime, the definition of eligible buildings remains complex and confirmation of the key building information was made only a matter of days before the legislation came into force.

“We hope that the regulator will continue to work closely with social landlords and those defined as principally accountable to ensure that the registration process is as smooth and as simple as it can be."