More than 10% of buildings over 11 metres tall owned by social housing providers pose a threat to life, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) revealed today.

According to the latest RSH fire safety survey, 1,932 of the 17,457 relevant buildings reported were found to have a life critical safety defect (LCFS) relating to the external wall system (EWS).

The survey also showed that while 11% of the affected buildings are due to have remedial work completed within the next six months, only 84% are expected to complete in the next five years.

On a more positive note, the regulator reports that landlords had undertaken fire risk assessments on 99% of the relevant buildings.

“Some landlords with multiple affected buildings have indicated they are prioritising works on higher risk buildings, which can be more complex and take longer to remediate,” RSH said.

“As such, landlords have a duty to put interim measures in place to ensure the safety of tenants until works are fully completed.

“RSH will continue to monitor the performance of landlords in remediating 11 metre plus buildings and the progress they are making against their plans.”

All social landlords must have robust systems and processes in place on fire safety and its management, underpinned by accurate and up to date data. This is a key aspect of landlords ensuring that tenants are safe in their homes.

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: “This quarterly survey is an important tool in helping us monitor the progress being made by the sector on remediating fire safety defects.

“Fire safety is a fundamental responsibility and we expect all landlords to take prompt and effective action so that tenants can feel safe in their homes.

“This includes putting mitigating measures in place to protect tenants from any risks in the interim period before works are complete. Boards and councillors have a duty to ensure these plans are delivered.

“Meanwhile our ongoing regulation, including our programme of inspections and responsive engagement, helps us check that landlords are meeting the outcomes of our standards – including those relating to fire safety.”

The data referred to in the report came from surveys carried out between 21 June 2024 and 19 July 2024.