Since then, however, there has been a number of amendments, including the remediation bill published in December 2025 introducing stricter legal duties with criminal penalties for non-compliant landlords. Given the changes made since the legislation was first released, it remains critical to stay well informed on these latest updates. 

Designed to safeguard lives, this legislation applies to all property, from residential and commercial to mixed use, encompassing both new construction and existing structures.

Although the implementation of the BSA is still a ‘work in progress’ for the industry, and the Building Safety Regulator has cautioned applicants about potential delays, the complexities remain navigable.

Given the transitional period ended on April 6 2024, how prepared is the sector to meet the demands of this new legislative landscape?

The reality of the BSA

The BSA reshaped the landscape of building regulations, imposing new limitations on what building control bodies can oversee, and introducing updates to the Approved Inspector (Building Control Bodies) legislation. As a result, the registration for approved inspectors is now five years, after which they are required to reregister. Among these changes are heightened responsibilities for duty holders, particularly landlords, who are now obligated to appoint key roles such as the Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) early in the process.

Another notable shift is the reduction in design advice and guidance provided by Building Control, placing more accountability on duty holders within the design and construction phases. This underscores the importance of careful planning and diligent management throughout the life cycle of a building. The onus is now on landlords to ensure that the right professionals are in place to meet these rigorous standards.

It’s also important to note that the BSA is enshrined in criminal law, emphasising the gravity of compliance.

Mobilisation is key

To navigate this evolving environment, it's essential for companies to take proactive steps. Setting up a dedicated task force or cross-disciplinary working group, for example comprising project managers, architects, designers, compliance officers, and surveyors, can be a highly effective strategy. Such a group should focus on producing key documentation, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance.

Training and education are fundamental. This includes being able to demonstrate, with evidence-based verification, that projects follow the necessary route to compliance. A breadth of knowledge is needed to critically assess requirements, make informed decisions, ask questions, understand when expert help is needed, and coordinate actions. This means understanding how consensus on compliance is reached, how risks arise, having a grounding in the relevant legal and technical frameworks, and recognising how information about compliance is managed.

Looking ahead

The changes from the BSA, particularly regarding higher-risk buildings, represent a vital step towards a safer future. For now, ensuring the competence of the design team and maintaining confidence that all duty holders are meeting their responsibilities is crucial for minimising risk. While leveraging process documents and applications to maintain quality assurance is essential, a shift in mindset about taking responsibility is equally important. We must move beyond simply managing the journey; we need to fully embrace our roles in safeguarding the entire process.

Further information

Contact Matt Grout or Jen Thornton

Consultancy: Building & Project