Find out more about about High-Rise Buildings
What are High-Rise Buildings?
High-rise buildings (HRB) have at least two residential units which are at least 18 metres in height or have at least seven storeys.
Buildings that meet this definition are controlled by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and must comply with the Building Safety Act 2022.
Find out more about higher-risk buildings (opens new window).
Who is the Building Safety Regulator
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was set up following the Grenfell Tower fire to help improve building safety across England. It was created by the Building Safety Act 2022 and works as an independent public body, supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Principal Accountable persons
The people or organisation who are responsible for your building's safety may be referred to as Principal Accountable persons (PAP) or 'accountable persons (opens new window)'.
We are the PAP for all of our high-rise buildings. This means some of the things we must do includes:
- register the building with the Building Safety Regulator
- prepare and maintain a Safety Case, including a Structural Report that shows how risks of structural failure are understood and controlled
- provide a Safety Case Report when requested by the BSR to obtain a Building Assessment Certificate
Keeping your information up to date
It's important to let us know if your situation changes and your health affects your ability to leave your home safely in an emergency. Please tell your Neighbourhood Estates Officer as soon as possible.
If you are worried about a neighbour, let us know that too. We can get in touch with them and help with the next steps.
Understand more about fire safety in your building
Annual meetings with residents
Each year, our Compliance Manager and Fire Safety Officer meet with residents who live in high‑rise buildings. These meetings usually take place in September and give residents the chance to speak directly with the staff responsible for building safety.
If you live in a high-rise building, we will contact you in August to arrange these meetings. You do not have to wait until then to get in touch with the team.
You can ask a question about building safety by contacting the Estates Management Team:
- email: estatemangement@guildford.gov.uk
- phone: 01483 505050
- online: contact us
How to contact the Building Safety Regulator
If you have a major safety concern that we have not dealt with or you would like access to building safety information you can contact the BSR.
- visit the governments website (opens new window)
- or telephone: 0300 790 6787
They are open:
- 8.30am to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- and open on Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm