Strengthening safety and accountability
The Bill, currently at Stage 1 (Committee scrutiny) in the Senedd, aims to create a clearer system for managing safety across all multi-occupied residential buildings in Wales. It builds on lessons from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Hackitt Review, extending beyond the scope of the Building Safety Act 2022 in England to include buildings under 18 metres.
During the session, Douglas highlighted our continued campaigning, stressing that Propertymark members support stronger oversight and safer homes, but that any new requirements must fit with existing frameworks such as Rent Smart Wales and local HMO licensing.
We want safe buildings and proper oversight, but it’s vital the system avoids duplication and confusion. The Welsh Government must make sure the new framework works alongside what’s already in place.
This session follows Propertymark’s earlier response to the Welsh Government’s 2021 White Paper on building safety, where members raised similar concerns about how new duties would interact with the current regulatory landscape.
Click here to watch the evidence session
Clarity on HMOs and access for safety checks
Committee Members heard that including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the scope of the Bill could create overlap with existing licensing regimes. There must be clarity on how these are coordinated, with HMOs reviewed separately to avoid duplication for landlords and agents.
Douglas drew attention to the need for clear processes when tenants refuse access for essential fire safety work, and advocated a fast-track mechanism to support landlords and agents in applying for tribunal orders where urgent inspections or repairs are required
Recognising agents’ role in information sharing
New duties will be placed on 'accountable persons' to assess, record, and manage building safety risks. Sales and letting agents should be recognised in official guidance as part of the information chain — particularly since the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 strengthens their legal obligations to provide accurate material information to tenants and buyers.
This builds on our wider campaigning around material information and consumer protection, with practical resources available for members in our compliance hub.
Understanding how the Bill impacts agents
A new Building Safety Authority will oversee safety during the occupation phase of multi-occupied buildings, new rules will be introduced for the regulation of building inspectors, and funding will be allocated for the remediation of fire safety defects in buildings 11 metres or higher, ensuring leaseholders are not left to shoulder the costs.
Propertymark members can access a comprehensive factsheet that breaks down these changes and explains how the Welsh framework differs from the English system.
Fact Sheet: Building Safety (Wales) Bill
The Building Safety (Wales) Bill sets regulations for the occupation phase of buildings. Propertymark members managing and letting individual flats within these buildings should be mindful of any requirements for residents, so that any key documents for contract-holders can be provided.
Have your say
Members can share feedback or concerns about the proposals by emailing [email protected]. The Policy and Campaigns team will ensure the voice of agents is heard by Members of the Senedd as we continue to campaign on the Bill.
