Fixing cladding and safety defects: buildings at least 11 metres or 5 storeys (England)
Introduction
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced protections for leaseholders affected by the cost of remediating (fixing):
- unsafe cladding
- other historic safety defects
- safety measures related to a defect (such as a waking watch)
The protections apply to buildings in England that are at least 11 metres high or at least 5 storeys.
Use this guide to find out:
- the difference between remediation and routine repairs
- what counts as a defect or safety measure
- who pays to remediate buildings with historic defects
- what remediation work your building needs
- what you can do about delayed remediation work
Remediation does not apply to all buildings
There is separate guidance on fixing historic safety defects for:
- Last updated:
- 29 April 2026
- Next review:
- 29 April 2028
Related content
Leaseholder protections: buildings at least 11 metres or 5 storeys (England)
How the protections limit what you pay for unsafe cladding and historic safety defects
Advice guide
What to check if you're charged for historic safety defects (England)
Check your rights if your landlord wants to charge you for fire safety work
Advice guide