Building safety and Building Regulations

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis

Building Regulations

Construction projects are subject to a vast array of legislation and regulation. Among the most significant are the Building Regulations. An awareness of the requirements of these regulations, and the implications of not complying with them, is very important for all concerned in construction projects.

The Building Regulations are made under powers provided in Building Act 1984 (BA 1984), and apply in England and Wales. The current edition is the Building Regulations 2010, SI 2010/2214 and the majority of building projects are required to comply with them, including most new buildings and many alterations to existing buildings.

The Building Regulations promote:

  1. •

    standards for most aspects of a building's construction, including its structure, fire safety, sound insulation, drainage, ventilation and electrical safety

  2. •

    energy efficiency in buildings

  3. •

    the needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings. They set standards for buildings to be accessible and hazard-free wherever possible

Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations sets out various requirements in relation to the design and construction of buildings:

  1. •

    Part A—Structural safety

  2. •

    Part B—Fire safety

  3. •

    Part

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Construction News

RICS launches FAQs on structural risks linked to transfer slabs

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released a FAQs page providing guidance for the public and members on potential structural safety issues affecting reinforced concrete buildings with ‘transfer slabs’. The FAQs explain why concerns have arisen, outline actions for building owners and RICS members, and clarify when specialist structural engineering advice is required. Further research is ongoing, and RICS intends to update the page as more information becomes available.

MHCLG launches new building safety newsletter

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a new building safety newsletter, starting during Q1 2026. The quarterly newsletter will provide updates on legislation, regulatory developments, building remediation progress, resident-focused activity and relevant guidance. Subscriptions to the newsletter are available via MHCLG’s online platform.

Construction law—key developments in 2025, and what to expect in 2026

Construction analysis: In this article, we look back on the key developments in construction law that emerged in the later months of 2025, and look ahead to what may come in 2026.

Construction weekly highlights—8 January 2026

This week's edition of Construction weekly highlights includes analysis of the Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (Wales) Regulations 2025, publication of further regulations and guidance from the Welsh Government on building regulations in Wales, publication of guidance by the Scottish Government guidance on its Compliance Plan Approach (CPA) for high risk buildings in Scotland, launch of a consultation on the creation of a single construction regulator, a case in which the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) considered whether an adjudicator’s ‘approximate’ valuation gave rise to a breach of natural justice (Project One v VMA), and an announcement by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) that the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has opened applications for the Construction Products Register of Specialists.

View Construction by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some

Contributory negligence in personal injury claims

Contributory negligence in personal injury claimsContributory negligence is a partial defence which can lead to a discount in damages.Other defences may also be relevant. See Practice Notes: Did the claimant consent to the risk of injury? and Was the claimant involved in an illegal activity?If a

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an
Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some

Contributory negligence in personal injury claims

Contributory negligence in personal injury claims

Contributory negligence in personal injury claimsContributory negligence is a partial defence which can lead to a discount in damages.Other defences may also be relevant. See Practice Notes: Did the claimant consent to the risk of injury? and Was the claimant involved in an illegal activity?If a

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an