Building safety
Is my building a higher-risk building?
The 18 metre and seven-storey test, and what follows.
Reviewed by Mark Cunningham AssocRICS MTPI MIFSM, Leasehold Director. Last reviewed 3 October 2026.
Under the Building Safety Act 2022, an occupied higher-risk building (HRB) is at least 18 metres tall or has at least seven storeys, and contains at least two residential units.
What that means
- The Principal Accountable Person must register the building with the Building Safety Regulator and provide key building information.
- A safety case report must assess and manage building safety risks.
- A resident engagement strategy and a process for residents' safety complaints must be in place.
Below 18 metres
The Fire Safety Order and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 still apply, with extra duties above 11 metres.
Try the toolOpen the HRB checker
How we can help
Fire risk assessments and fire strategiesCladding and remediationFull block managementWe provide block management across Southport, Churchtown and Kew, Birkdale and Ainsdale, Formby, Ormskirk and Aughton, Crosby and Maghull, Bootle and Litherland, Liverpool, Hesketh Bank and Tarleton and Preston, Penwortham and Longton. For the law in brief, see Know the law.Related reading
Fire doors: what every leaseholder should knowFire risk assessments for blocks of flatsGeneral information about the law in England, not advice on a particular building.