Recent government data reveals that although more high-rise residential buildings in England are being monitored for cladding safety, fewer are actively moving into remediation work. This slowdown in remediation progress raises concerns for landlords managing such properties, as it may delay the resolution of fire safety risks and prolong uncertainty for residents and owners alike.

Increasing Number of Buildings Under Cladding Monitoring

According to figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), a total of 5,570 residential buildings over 11 metres tall are currently monitored under the building safety remediation programme. This marks a 15.2% increase compared to the previous year, largely driven by a 23.5% rise in monitoring of buildings between 11 and 18 metres in height. Buildings over 18 metres have also seen a 9.5% increase in monitoring.

For landlords, this means that more properties are being scrutinised for potential cladding issues, reflecting ongoing efforts to identify fire safety risks in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. However, increased monitoring does not necessarily translate into faster remediation.

Decline in Buildings Progressing to Remediation

Despite the rise in monitored buildings, the number of high-rise properties actively undergoing remediation work has fallen by 22.8% between October 2024 and October 2025. This decline suggests that while more buildings are flagged for potential issues, fewer are moving forward with the necessary repair or replacement work to address unsafe cladding.

Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Property Inspect, highlights that this trend is not simply due to construction capacity constraints. Instead, she points to systemic inefficiencies within the remediation process, including fragmented documentation, inconsistent evidence standards, and slow manual review procedures that delay project sign-off even after physical work is completed.

Implications for Landlords and Property Managers

For landlords and agents, the slowdown in remediation progress can have several implications. Prolonged remediation timelines may increase the risk of safety concerns remaining unaddressed, potentially affecting tenant confidence and property values. Additionally, delays can complicate compliance with building safety regulations and government targets, such as the commitment to fix all unsafe cladding by 2029.

Landlords should be aware of these challenges and maintain clear communication with residents regarding ongoing safety measures and remediation plans. Staying informed about the status of cladding work and any changes in government policy will be essential for effective property management and risk mitigation.

Calls for Reform and Improved Transparency

Property Inspect is advocating for significant reforms to the remediation system to address these inefficiencies. They propose the adoption of standardised, digitised evidence packs for all remediation projects. These would include structured photographic evidence, contractor certifications, inspection reports, and metadata to verify authenticity and chronology, all submitted via a universal template.

Furthermore, Property Inspect suggests the creation of a national remediation tracker—a publicly accessible digital dashboard providing live updates on the status of each building’s remediation progress. This tool would enable landlords, residents, contractors, and regulators to monitor developments in real time, reducing duplication, increasing accountability, and closing information gaps.

Ms Hemming-Metcalfe emphasises the human impact behind these issues, noting that delays in remediation affect the safety and wellbeing of residents. She references the Grenfell disaster and a recent fire tragedy in Hong Kong as stark reminders of the critical importance of effective fire safety measures in high-rise buildings.

Looking Ahead: Support for Landlords

Landlords managing high-rise properties with cladding concerns should prepare for ongoing scrutiny and potential remediation work in the coming years. Engaging with trusted service providers and staying updated on regulatory developments will be vital.

In support of landlords and property professionals, the Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026. This platform will feature verified and approved service providers across legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other sectors relevant to landlords and property management businesses. Service providers interested in joining the Trusted Partners Hub can register their interest here.