A recent audit of fire safety across purpose-built flats in England has revealed worrying levels of non-compliance, with 45% of buildings failing to meet required standards. The findings highlight significant risks for landlords and block managers, emphasising the need for rigorous maintenance and record-keeping under current legislation.

Audit reveals widespread fire safety failures

Data from Fire and Rescue Service inspections, analysed by Drax Technology, shows that 1,923 out of 4,257 blocks over four storeys tall were rated ‘unsatisfactory’ in fire safety audits conducted between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. These inspections covered only a fraction of the approximately 120,000 similar buildings across England, with each audit categorised as either ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’.

The high failure rate indicates that fire safety standards are frequently missed, posing serious risks to residents and property. The audit findings come amid ongoing concerns about fire safety compliance in the private rented sector (PRS), build-to-rent (BTR), and social housing.

Issues with record-keeping and maintenance

David Simpson, Group Product Director at Drax Technology, highlighted common problems such as blocked escape routes, faulty emergency lighting, and malfunctioning alarms being deprioritised on maintenance schedules. He warned that “under the Building Safety Act, compliance can no longer be assumed, it must be proven.”

Simpson stressed the importance of clear, accurate records detailing what was inspected, when, and by whom, especially for building managers in BTR, PRS, and social housing sectors. He noted that “gaps in record-keeping represent a serious operational, financial, and regulatory risk.”

Alarmingly, 34% of high-rise buildings of 10 storeys or more received unsatisfactory audit results. Simpson remarked, “High-rise buildings pose greater risks because firefighter access is more complex, so robust and consistent fire safety measures are critical. The industry must step up and do better.”

Responsibilities of the ‘Responsible Person’

Fire safety responsibility lies with the designated ‘Responsible Person’, who must ensure ongoing compliance, including after any structural changes or alterations. Their duty continues beyond the completion of an audit, requiring continuous vigilance to maintain safety standards.

Enforcement action has been taken against some buildings, with 20 receiving prohibition notices that restrict use of all or part of the premises due to serious and immediate risks to life, such as exposed wiring identified as a fire hazard.

Enforcement and prosecutions

Alongside prohibition notices, Drax Technology reports that 445 enforcement notices were issued, mandating that identified defects be remedied within specified timeframes. In six cases, prosecutions were pursued where required remedial work was not carried out.

Less serious breaches were managed through informal notifications issued by Fire and Rescue Services. The previous year’s data showed a slightly higher failure rate, with 49% of buildings marked as unsatisfactory.

What this means for landlords

These findings underline the critical importance for landlords and property managers to prioritise fire safety compliance proactively. Ensuring that escape routes remain clear, emergency lighting and alarms are regularly tested and maintained, and comprehensive records are kept is essential to meet legal obligations and protect residents.

Landlords should also be aware of the heightened risks associated with high-rise buildings and the increased scrutiny they face. Failure to address fire safety defects can result in enforcement notices, prohibition orders, and even prosecution, all of which carry significant operational and financial consequences.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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