RSH’s survey results for Q1 2026/27 show slight increase from last quarter 

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has identified a ‘life critical’ fire safety defect in 12.1% of buildings over 11m in England.

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Source: Shuterstock

2,078 of the 17,258 relevant social housing blocks in England were found to have a LCFS defect in Q1 2026/27.

The findings for fire remediation in the first quarter of 2026/27 revealed 2,078 of the 17,258 relevant social housing buildings had a life critical fire safety (LCFS) defect relating to the external wall system.

This is up slightly from 1,977 buildings (11.6%) in the last quarter of 2025/26. There was also a small quarterly increase in the number of buildings landlords reported being responsible for, which was 17,081 in Q4 last year.

Of the affected blocks identified in the latest survey, 76.7% are expected to be remediated within the next five years, while remediation works are complete for a further 6.7% of buildings that are awaiting confirmation from a building works assessment.

Of the 2,889 buildings identified as having LCFS risks since June 2017, 811 (28.1%) have been remediated or are completed awaiting a new assessment.

Will Perry, director of strategy at RSH, said: “While landlords are making progress in addressing dangerous cladding and other fire safety defects, this work must continue at pace.

“We expect boards and councillors to ensure risks are effectively managed and remediation plans are delivered promptly. Through ongoing monitoring, inspections and engagement, we will continue to hold landlords to account and keep a strong focus on tenant safety.”

Fire risk assessments have been undertaken on 99.8% of all relevant buildings in Q1 2026/27.

 

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