Leaseholder protections: buildings at least 11 metres or 5 storeys (England)
Introduction
The Building Safety Act 2022 protects leaseholders from paying some or all costs to fix (or “remediate”) historic safety defects in buildings at least 11 metres high or at least 5 storeys.
In most cases, these costs are paid by the developer, the landlord or through government funding. Leaseholders can only be asked to pay in limited circumstances. And if you're a “qualifying leaseholder” there is also a limit (or cap) on how much you have to pay.
Use this guide to help you:
- understand what protections apply to you
- check if you’re a qualifying leaseholder
- organise and send proof that you qualify – your leaseholder certificate
- check if your costs are capped and how the cap works in practice
The leaseholder protections do not apply to everyone
There is separate guidance on paying historic safety defects for:
- Last updated:
- 29 April 2026
- Next review:
- 29 April 2028
Related content
Check your rights if your landlord wants to charge you for fire safety work
Advice guideHow fire safety remediation works, who pays and what to do about costs or delays
Advice guide