This month, we shine a spotlight on the vital topics of health and safety and fire safety within the industry. Our contributors explore everything from building safety and compartmentation in flats and apartments to the importance of adopting a professional approach to fire safety.

In the News!

  • In a recent Westminster debate, Alex Norris, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government reiterated the Government’s plans to regulate property agents, as recommended in Lord Best’s 2019 report on the regulation of property agents (ROPA).
  • May saw TPI once again return to the QEII centre in central London for what turned out to be a records breaking TPI Seminar 2025, with around 885 attendees ensuring that it was literally standing room only in many sessions.
  • The Building Safety Alliance, a cross-sector collaboration of leading industry figures and various associations and bodies, has published detailed guidance around the golden thread concept.
  • Principle Estate Management has been appointed by South Kensington Estates (SKE) to manage Empire House and Dalmeny House, two historic mixed-use buildings on Thurloe Place, London, SW7, following a competitive tender.
  • Three Sixty Space, part of national property services group LRG (previously Leaders Romans Group), has launched of Alexander House – a collection of 43 high-specification rental apartments on Kings Road, Reading, just a short walk from the town centre and mainline railway station.

Featured Articles

Ensuring the safety and functionality of mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems is not just a regulatory requirement for block managers—it’s a cornerstone of landlord and leaseholder satisfaction, as FixFlo explain in their article.

In block and property management, lone working is often unavoidable. Whether attending emergency call outs, inspecting communal areas, or liaising with contractors, property professionals frequently work alone and out of sight. Jodie Fraser tells us more in her article.

Susan from EarlKendrick Group explores how evolving legislation, professional accountability, and everyday resident actions are shaping a safer future for those living in multi-occupancy buildings.

The team at 4Site Consulting provide insights into the steps you must take to prevent bacteria from growing in water systems and ensure your property is compliant with safety regulations.

In their article, the team at specialist property solicitors JB Leitch look at both legislative progress and notable case law in the sphere of building safety.

The Statement of UK Finance on invalid or outdated External Wall System 1 (“EWS1”) forms should have a major impact on unblocking the housing market for leaseholders in high rise buildings, writes Matthew Davies, Trainee Solicitor in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team and member of the Building Safety Group at Bishop and Sewell.

Directors’ obligations cover the health and safety of residents, visitors, contractors and staff that live in or enter the building. Understanding your obligations in their entirety is key, but potentially overwhelming. In their article, the team at Residentsline Flats Insurance outline key responsibilities and best practice, succinctly and with clarity.

Fire safety in residential buildings has undergone a significant transformation with the release of BS 9991:2024. This revised British Standard strengthens requirements for evacuation lifts, ensuring safer egress for residents during emergencies – learn more from the team at Ardent Lift Consultancy.

Julie Saunders, Head of Fire Safety at The FirstPort Group looks at what it’s like to take a collaborative and professional approach to prioritising fire safety.

The team at Manage Your Block look at compartmentation in flats and what RMCs must know to prevent the spread of fire.

Property managers are responsible for ensuring that fire doors are checked and maintained – the team at Flat Living Insurance outlines exactly what is required for compliance, safety and peace of mind.

The article from Block in a Box explains where fire signs should be placed by law, and why regular checks are so important.

With tightened regulations and a heightened awareness of fire safety among residents (alongside the obvious moral responsibility), Residents’ Management Companies (RMC) must ensure compliance at all times – learn more from the article by London Flats Insurance.

Read all of these articles and more, in the latest edition of Flat Living Magazine.