Registering a higher-risk building with the Building Safety Regulator

Every occupied higher-risk building in England must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Registration is the first legal step in the occupation-phase regime, and occupying an unregistered higher-risk building is a criminal offence.

Which buildings must register?

Buildings in England that are at least 18 metres tall or have at least seven storeys, and contain at least two residential units. Our guide on higher-risk buildings explains how to measure height and count storeys.

Who registers?

The Principal Accountable Person (PAP) registers the building. If you are not sure who the PAP is, our guide to Accountable Person duties explains how the role is decided.

What you need

Registration needs information such as:

• the building's name and address, height and number of storeys
• the number of residential units
• the year the building was originally completed
• the names and contact details of the PAP and any other Accountable Persons
• completion and building control details where available.

After registering, the PAP must submit key building information. This covers the building's use, structure, external walls, roof, fire and smoke control equipment, evacuation strategy and other safety details. The information must be kept up to date when anything changes.

After registration

• The BSR uses the information to prioritise buildings for assessment.
• The BSR can direct the PAP to apply for a building assessment certificate, which involves submitting the safety case report.
• The PAP must notify the BSR of changes, such as a new Accountable Person or significant works.

Common problems

• Missing or estimated information, such as unknown external wall materials.
• Accountable Persons not identified, especially in buildings with complex lease structures.
• Key building information not updated after works.

Getting help

Much of the key building information comes from surveys: external wall appraisals, fire door and compartmentation surveys, and records of fire alarm, smoke ventilation and emergency lighting systems. We carry out those surveys and help organise the information so registration and the safety case match the building as it really is.