Northern Ireland Statutory Rule 2012 United Kingdom

Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

What this means for your business

68 obligations
46 penalties
1 guides
Applies to
United Kingdom
On this page
68 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
Read full text on legislation.gov.uk

What you must do

68 compliance obligations under this legislation.

Risk assessment 1

Analyse and document high‑efficiency energy options before building

If you are the contractor building a new structure in Northern Ireland, you must look at and document whether renewable or high‑efficiency energy systems (like heat pumps, cogeneration or district heating) could be used. The analysis must weigh technical, environmental and cost factors and be completed before construction starts.

Contractor Consideration of high-efficiency alternative syste HSE when constructing a new building

Equipment and safety 5

Fit safety devices on unvented hot‑water tanks >15 L

Unlimited fine

If you install or use a hot‑water storage tank larger than 15 litres that does not have a vent to the atmosphere, you must fit devices that stop the water getting hotter than 100 °C, control and relieve pressure, and make sure any safety‑device discharge is safely directed to a visible spot where it cannot harm anyone.

Contractor s.88 HSE Hot‑water storage system (not solely for space heating or industrial use) with …

Install carbon‑monoxide detection and warning in dwellings

Unlimited fine

If you install a fuel‑burning appliance in a house, you must make sure a carbon‑monoxide detector or alarm is fitted that will warn occupants when CO levels become dangerous. The detector should be installed and working at the time the appliance is put in place.

Contractor s.72 HSE A combustion appliance is being installed in a dwelling

Install combustion appliances with adequate air supply

Unlimited fine

When you fit a boiler, heater or any other combustion device, you must make sure it gets enough fresh air so it works safely and efficiently. This also covers the air needed for the flue. Failing to do this can create a fire or carbon‑monoxide risk and breach the Building Regulations.

Contractor s.70 HSE

Provide adequate ventilation for each car park space

Unlimited fine

If you are building, extending or refurbishing a car park, you must make sure every parking space has sufficient ventilation – through vents, fans or natural airflow – that meets the Building Regulations. You need to design, install and certify a system that covers each space before the car park can be used.

Contractor s.66 HSE

Provide automatic fire‑suppression system in required buildings

Unlimited fine

If you are building a block of flats or purpose‑built student accommodation taller than 11 m, or a residential care premises, you must design the building and install a suitable automatic fire‑suppression system. This means the fire‑suppression equipment has to be part of the design and fitted before the building is finished and approved.

Contractor Automatic fire suppression systems HSE Buildings that contain flats or purpose‑built student accommodation with any storey over …

Management duties 54

Affix performance notice to hearth, flue or chimney

Unlimited fine

If your business installs or extends a hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney, you must attach a durable notice that clearly states the unit’s performance capabilities. The notice must be placed in a suitable location in the building so that any future combustion appliance can be safely connected.

Contractor s.74 HSE When a hearth, fireplace, flue or chimney is provided or extended

Allow council officer to take material samples

Unlimited fine

If a district‑council authorised officer asks to take samples of the materials you are using (or plan to use) in a building project, you must let them do so at reasonable times. This lets the council check that the materials meet the Building Regulations, helping you avoid enforcement action.

Contractor s.16 HSE When an authorised officer of the district council requests to take material …

Avoid using in‑situ urea formaldehyde foam in building work except approved cavity‑wall filling

You must not use in‑situ foamed urea formaldehyde when constructing, altering or extending a building. The only time it can be used is to fill the cavity of a cavity wall whose inner leaf is made of bricks or blocks, and only if the foam is suitable for that purpose and is installed correctly.

Contractor s.24 HSE When erecting, structurally altering or extending a building (or when filling a …

Build walls, floors and roofs to stop moisture ingress

Unlimited fine

When you carry out building work in Northern Ireland you must make sure every wall, floor and roof is constructed so that moisture from the ground or the weather cannot get into the building and cause damage or harm to occupants. This means using suitable damp‑proof courses, membranes, flashing and appropriate construction methods and checking that they are installed correctly before the building is occupied.

Contractor s.28 HSE

Carry out consequential improvements for large building works

If you plan to extend, add a new fixed service or increase a service in an existing building larger than 1,000 m², you must also make any necessary upgrades so the building meets the conservation requirements of regulation 39, wherever it is technically and economically feasible. This means you need to plan and carry out those extra works as part of your project.

Client (commissioning work) s.41 HSE Building work on an existing building > 1,000 m² that includes an …

Carry out work to meet energy‑efficiency standards after any change of energy status

Unlimited fine

If the way a building uses energy changes – for example because of a change of use, extension or major refurbishment – you must arrange and carry out any work needed to bring the building into line with the energy‑efficiency requirements set out in regulation 39. This means planning, commissioning and completing the necessary upgrades or alterations and keeping a record that they have been done.

Client (commissioning work) s.42 HSE When the building’s energy status changes (e.g., change of use, extension, major …

Construct and protect oil storage tanks to prevent pollution

Unlimited fine

If your business installs or builds an oil storage tank and its pipework, you must design, construct and protect them so that an oil leak is unlikely and, if it does happen, the environment is not polluted. This means using appropriate materials, secondary containment, protective coatings and regular checks to keep the system safe.

Contractor s.76 HSE When installing or constructing an oil storage tank and its connecting pipework

Design and build common areas to limit reverberation

Unlimited fine

If you are responsible for designing or constructing the shared internal parts of a block of flats or other residential rooms, you must make sure those spaces are designed and built so that echoes are kept at a reasonable level. In practice this means using acoustic design methods and construction details that control sound reflections in hallways, stairwells and other common areas.

Contractor s.51 HSE When the building includes flats or residential rooms with common internal areas

Design and build external walls/roof to resist fire spread

Unlimited fine

You must make sure that any external walls and roofs on a building are designed and built so they can stop fire spreading across them and jumping to neighbouring buildings. The design has to take into account how the building is used, where it is located and, for walls, its height. This applies to every new build or major renovation that falls under the Building Regulations.

Designer s.36 HSE

Design and build loading bays to prevent vehicle‑person collisions

Unlimited fine

If your business is involved in designing or constructing a vehicle loading bay, you must make sure the bay is built in a way that reduces the chance of people being hit by a vehicle. This means using safe layouts, appropriate barriers or markings and following the Building Regulations throughout the design and construction stages.

Designer s.58 HSE When designing or constructing a vehicle loading bay

Design and build to prevent interstitial condensation

Unlimited fine

When you design or construct a building that falls under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland), you must make sure it is built so moisture trapped inside the fabric cannot cause damage. In practice this means using suitable materials, ventilation and construction methods to avoid condensation problems, as far as reasonably practicable.

Designer s.29 HSE When undertaking design or construction of a building covered by the Building …

Design and construct buildings to avoid disproportionate collapse

Unlimited fine

When you design or build a building you must make sure that if part of it is damaged the resulting collapse is limited to what the damage would reasonably cause – the whole structure should not come down unnecessarily. In practice this means using appropriate structural design calculations and construction methods and checking the building’s robustness throughout the project.

Designer s.31 HSE

Design and construct buildings to limit internal fire spread

Unlimited fine

You must make sure any building you design or build stays stable for a reasonable period in a fire and prevents fire, smoke and heat from spreading quickly through walls, compartments and concealed spaces. This means using fire‑resistant materials, proper compartmentation and suitable construction details throughout the structure.

Designer s.35 HSE

Design and construct buildings to safely resist loads

Unlimited fine

You must make sure any building you design or build can safely carry its own weight, any imposed loads and wind forces, and that these forces are transferred to the ground without endangering nearby structures. In practice this means carrying out proper structural calculations, ground investigations and supervising construction to meet the stability requirement.

Designer s.30 HSE

Design and install domestic hot‑water systems to limit temperature

When you design or install a domestic hot‑water system you must include measures that stop the water from becoming excessively hot. Any fixed bath must not receive water hotter than 48 °C, so you need to fit thermostatic controls, mixing valves or other temperature‑limiting devices and verify the temperature before it’s put into use.

Contractor s.89 HSE

Ensure cesspools and septic tanks are correctly built and sited

Unlimited fine

If you are installing a cesspool, septic tank or similar structure you must build it so no liquid can leak in or out, site it away from drinking‑water sources and occupied buildings, and provide safe access for cleaning that does not pass through occupied premises. The structure must meet the size, depth, cover, venting and inspection requirements set out in the regulations.

Contractor s.83 HSE When constructing or installing a cesspool, septic tank or similar structure

Ensure heating/cooking appliances are capable of smokeless burning

Unlimited fine

If you install a boiler, stove or similar appliance for heating or cooking that vents to the outside, you must make sure it can burn fuel without producing smoke, or can be easily modified to do so. The rule does not apply to furnaces that already meet the Clean Air Order requirements or to appliances that are exempt under that Order.

Client (commissioning work) s.77 HSE When a combustion appliance for heating or cooking is installed and discharges …

Ensure internal linings resist fire spread and limit heat release

Unlimited fine

When you are building or refurbishing a property you must choose and install internal wall and ceiling linings that stop flames spreading across their surfaces. If the lining is in a corridor or other circulation area it must also release heat slowly or not allow fire to grow quickly. This means specifying fire‑rated materials and keeping records that they meet the required test standards.

Contractor s.34 HSE When installing internal linings, especially where they are in a circulation space …

Ensure new buildings meet nearly‑zero‑energy standards

Unlimited fine

If you are having a new building constructed, the law requires it to be a nearly‑zero‑energy building. This applies to all private‑sector projects completed after 31 December 2020 (and to public‑authority buildings from 1 January 2019). You must plan, design and build the property so it meets the energy‑performance criteria set out in the regulations.

Client (commissioning work) Nearly zero-energy requirements for new buildings HSE When erecting a new building after 31 Dec 2020 (or after 1 …

Ensure renovated thermal elements meet insulation standards

Unlimited fine

If you are carrying out a major renovation, or you are renovating more than half of a wall, roof or other thermal element, you must make sure the whole element meets the insulation requirement of regulation 39(a)(i), wherever this is technically, functionally and economically possible. This means you may need to upgrade the whole element, not just the part you are working on.

Contractor s.43 HSE Renovation is a major renovation or involves more than 50% of the …

Ensure safe construction and separation of liquid fuel storage tanks

If your business installs or builds a liquid fuel storage tank and its pipework, you must make sure they are constructed and placed far enough away from other buildings and the site boundary to keep the risk of the fuel igniting in a fire in a neighbouring building at a reasonable level. In practice this means planning the tank location, using suitable construction methods and maintaining adequate clearances.

Contractor s.75 HSE When carrying out building work that includes a liquid fuel storage tank …

Ensure sanitary appliances meet required standards

When you design, install or maintain a building's toilets, washbasins, showers and similar fixtures, you must make sure they have smooth, easy‑to‑clean surfaces, proper traps, hot‑and‑cold water supplies, effective flushing, a grating on urinals, and that any macerator or pump system safely carries waste to an underground foul‑drain. Failing to meet these specifications breaches the Building Regulations.

Contractor s.86 HSE When installing or fitting sanitary appliances in a building

Ensure stairs, ladders, ramps and landings are reasonably safe

Unlimited fine

You must make sure any stairs, ladders, ramps and their landings in a building you design, construct or maintain are safe for people to use. This means planning, building and checking them against reasonable safety standards and keeping records that show they meet those standards.

Contractor s.56 HSE

Ensure windows and skylights can be opened safely

Unlimited fine

When you design, install or replace a window, skylight or ventilator, you must make sure it can be opened, closed and adjusted without risk. Use safe hardware, fit it correctly and test it before the building is handed over.

Contractor s.98 HSE When constructing or fitting any window, skylight or ventilator that can be …

Fit doors and gates with safety‑view and anti‑trap features

Unlimited fine

If you are responsible for designing, constructing or maintaining a building, any door or gate that is on a main route, can be opened from both sides, slides or lifts up, or is powered must be fitted so people can see what is on the other side, it cannot fall or slide onto someone, and it must open if the power fails. You need to check the design and install appropriate safety devices and keep records that they work.

Contractor s.59 HSE Presence of a door or gate that is across a main route, …

Install combustion appliances and flues safely

When you fit a boiler, heater or any other combustion device, you must make sure it and its flue, pipe or chimney are installed so that exhaust gases are discharged to the outside without creating a health risk. This means planning the installation, using suitable materials and checking the finished work before it’s used. Failure to do so could breach the Building Regulations.

Contractor s.71 HSE When installing a combustion appliance and its associated flue‑pipe, flue or chimney

Install combustion appliances safely to prevent burns and fire damage

Unlimited fine

When you put in a boiler, stove, fireplace or any other fuel‑burning appliance, you must make sure it and its flue, chimney or hearth are designed and fitted so they cannot cause burns to anyone or start a fire that damages the building. This means using qualified installers, checking the design and keeping records that the work meets the Building Regulations.

Contractor s.73 HSE

Limit risk of injuries from impact with glazing

Unlimited fine

When you design, specify or install windows, doors or other glazed elements you must ensure they are fitted or chosen so that people are unlikely to be cut or pierced if they accidentally hit the glass. This means using safety glass, laminated glazing, protective film, bars or other protective measures wherever required.

Designer s.96 HSE Whenever glazing is specified, supplied or installed in a building

Make transparent glazing clearly visible

When you install glass or other clear panels that people might not notice, you must ensure they have visible features (such as markings, tinting or texturing) so that anyone moving around the building can see them and avoid collisions. This applies to any transparent glazing that could be a hidden hazard in passageways or circulation areas.

Contractor s.97 HSE When fitting transparent glazing that could be unseen and cause people to …

Meet the target COâ‚‚ emission rate for new buildings and extensions

When you build a new building or extend a non‑dwelling, you must calculate a target carbon‑dioxide emission rate using the approved national method and then design and build the work so it does not exceed that target. In practice this means producing a calculation report and ensuring the construction specifications keep the building within the allowed emissions.

Client (commissioning work) s.40 HSE When a new building is erected or a non‑dwelling building is extended …

Prepare site and prevent contaminants (including radon)

Unlimited fine

When you are building or altering a property you must make sure the ground is investigated and treated so that soil, any contaminant, or radon cannot harm the building or the people using it. This means carrying out appropriate surveys, remediation works and, where needed, radon‑mitigation before construction starts. Failing to do so can lead to criminal prosecution.

Contractor s.26 HSE When carrying out building work on a new site or in a …

Provide adequate acoustic conditions in school rooms

Unlimited fine

When you are responsible for designing or building a school, you must make sure every classroom or space is designed and constructed so that it provides suitable sound quality and limits the transmission of noise, matched to how the room will be used. In practice this means incorporating acoustic design specifications and checking that the finished construction meets those standards.

Designer s.52 HSE when designing or constructing any school building

Provide adequate drainage systems for new or altered buildings

Unlimited fine

When you have a building work carried out, you must make sure the building includes proper sanitary pipework, foul waste drainage and rainwater drainage so that waste water is disposed of hygienically. This means specifying, installing and getting approval for drainage systems as part of the construction project.

Client (commissioning work) s.79 HSE When constructing, extending or altering a building

Provide adequate fire detection, warning and escape in building design and construction

Unlimited fine

When you design or build a building you must make sure it has reliable automatic fire detection, an effective way to warn occupants, and safe escape routes that can be used at any time. This means planning the fire‑safety systems as part of the design and checking that the construction follows those plans.

Designer s.33 HSE When undertaking the design or construction of a building

Provide adequate guarding to prevent falls

Unlimited fine

You must fit safe barriers on stairs, ladders, ramps, balconies, roofs and any other places people can access when there is a risk of someone falling. The same applies to vehicle‑access areas where people could be present. The barriers must be designed so they do not create new hazards.

Contractor s.57 HSE When a risk of falling exists for anyone accessing or moving between …

Provide adequate site drainage or protect the building

Unlimited fine

When you build or extend a property you must make sure the ground on the site and next to it is drained as far as reasonably practicable, or otherwise protect the building. This prevents groundwater or existing sub‑soil drainage from harming the structure or the health of the people who will use it.

Contractor s.27 HSE

Provide adequate ventilation and commission mechanical systems

Unlimited fine

You must make sure any building you build or manage has enough fresh air for the people using it. If you install a fixed mechanical ventilation system, you also have to have it tested and officially commissioned to confirm it meets the required standards before the building is occupied.

Contractor s.65 HSE

Provide a sanitary convenience on the entrance or principal storey

Unlimited fine

When you build, extend or substantially remodel a house, you must make sure a toilet or bathroom is installed on the entrance (ground) floor. If the entrance floor has no living rooms, the toilet must be on the first (principal) floor. This is required to obtain a building‑control completion certificate and avoid enforcement action.

Contractor s.94 HSE when constructing, extending or substantially altering a dwelling

Provide compliant rainwater drainage system

Unlimited fine

When you build or refurbish a property you must install rainwater drainage that is the right size, correctly laid out, watertight and properly ventilated so rainwater is safely conveyed to a sewer, soakaway or watercourse. You also need to make sure there are access points that let anyone clear blockages easily.

Contractor s.82 HSE When carrying out building work that includes rainwater drainage

Provide compliant underground foul drainage

Unlimited fine

If your business is installing or constructing underground foul‑water drainage, you must make sure the pipes and fittings are the right size, correctly laid out, watertight and ventilated so foul water can be conveyed hygienically. You also need to include access points that let blockages be cleared easily. This is needed to meet the Building Regulations and to obtain a completion certificate.

Contractor s.81 HSE When installing or constructing underground foul drainage systems

Provide energy‑efficient design and services for new or altered buildings

Unlimited fine

You must make sure any building you are constructing or refurbishing uses fuel and power efficiently. This means limiting heat loss through the building fabric and services, installing energy‑efficient plant with good controls, and properly commissioning those systems before they are used.

Client (commissioning work) s.39 HSE

Provide fire service facilities and access in building design and construction

If you are responsible for designing or building a property, you must make sure it includes reasonable facilities that help the fire‑and‑rescue service protect people in a fire. You also need to provide suitable access for fire appliances within the site boundaries, so fire crews can reach the building quickly and safely.

Designer s.37 HSE

Provide high‑speed‑ready in‑building infrastructure and common access point

If you are carrying out building work, you must make sure the building is fitted with a high‑speed‑ready physical network right up to the network termination points. For multi‑dwelling buildings you also need to install a common access point for that infrastructure.

Contractor In-building physical infrastructure HSE when carrying out building work

Provide hygienic solid waste storage and access

Unlimited fine

You must keep a clean, hygienic place for storing solid waste generated in your building and make sure people can reach it easily and that waste collectors can get to it without obstacles. This means having suitable bins or containers, clear pathways inside the building, and an unobstructed route to the outside collection point.

Occupier s.62 HSE

Provide independent access to building extensions

When you add an extension to a building, you must make sure there is a separate way to get into that extension without having to go through the original part of the building. This means you need to plan a dedicated entrance, staircase or lift that can be used on its own. Your business must include this independent access in the design and construction of any extension.

Client (commissioning work) s.92 HSE when constructing an extension to a building

Provide reasonable access to building and its facilities

Unlimited fine

When you build, extend or significantly alter a property you must make sure people can get into, move around and use the building and its services. For houses this only has to be achieved on the entrance floor (or the main floor if the entrance has no habitable room). In practice you need to plan and check that doors, corridors, lifts and other facilities are suitably sized and positioned.

Client (commissioning work) s.91 HSE When carrying out new building work or major alterations (including new dwellings)

Provide reasonable sound insulation for residential dwellings

Unlimited fine

When you design or build a new flat, house or any residential room, you must make sure it resists the passage of noise from other parts of the same building and from adjoining buildings. In practice this means specifying and installing walls, floors, doors and other building elements that meet the required acoustic standards.

Designer s.49 HSE When designing or constructing a dwelling or residential room

Provide required sanitary appliances in dwellings and buildings

Unlimited fine

When you build or renovate a dwelling (or any other building that needs a bathroom) you must fit at least one toilet, one washbasin and a fixed bath or shower. The washbasin must be in the same room as the toilet or in an adjoining room that isn’t used for food preparation. You cannot use a macerator‑type toilet unless another standard toilet with a direct drain is also provided.

Contractor s.85 HSE When constructing or refurbishing a dwelling or other building that requires sanitary …

Provide safe access for cleaning glazing

Unlimited fine

When you build, alter or repair a structure with windows, skylights or other glazed areas, you must make sure there is a reasonable way for cleaners to reach them safely. This means planning and installing ladders, platforms or other access systems that let cleaning work be done without risking falls or other hazards.

Contractor s.99 HSE

Provide safe and hygienic waste chute systems

Unlimited fine

If your business designs, installs or maintains a waste chute in a building, you must make sure it moves waste to the container safely and without causing hygiene problems. This means the system has to be properly designed, fitted and kept in good condition so that waste does not spill, cause injury or create health risks.

Contractor s.63 HSE

Provide safety measures for open windows, skylights and ventilators

Unlimited fine

If your building has any open windows, skylights or ventilators you must fit reasonable safeguards – such as guards, restrictors or screens – so that people moving around the building cannot accidentally run into them. The safety measures should be designed, installed and kept in good repair as part of the building work.

Client (commissioning work) s.60 HSE when a building has open windows, skylights or ventilators

Provide sanitary pipework that safely carries foul water

When you install, modify or repair a building’s drainage, you must use pipes and fittings that are the right size, correctly laid out, well‑constructed and watertight, with adequate ventilation so foul water can flow to the underground system. You also need to provide access points that allow blockages to be cleared easily.

Contractor s.80 HSE When installing, altering or repairing sanitary pipework in a building

Provide sound resistance in internal walls and floors

When you build, extend or remodel a home or flat, you must make sure the walls that separate bedrooms and bathrooms and all internal floors are constructed to reduce airborne sound transmission. This keeps rooms quieter and meets the sound‑proofing standards set out in the Building Regulations.

Contractor s.50 HSE

Provide suitable sanitary facilities in building extensions

Unlimited fine

If your building already has toilets, sinks or other sanitary facilities, you must make sure that any extension you add also includes appropriate sanitary accommodation. In practice this means planning for, installing and commissioning toilets, washbasins, urinals, etc., in the new part of the building to the same standard as the existing ones. Failure to do so can lead to criminal prosecution.

Client (commissioning work) s.93 HSE When extending a building that already contains sanitary accommodation

Notifications 8

Arrange sound‑insulation testing and report results to council

If the building work you are carrying out is covered by Regulation 49’s sound‑insulation rules, you must have an approved acoustic test done and then send a written notice of the test results to the district council within five days.

Contractor s.53 HSE When the building work is subject to Regulation 49 (sound‑insulation requirements).

Notify council of ventilation test results within 5 days

After you finish testing and commissioning a fixed mechanical ventilation system in a building, you must send a written notice to the local district council within five days. The notice must include the airflow test results and confirm that the system and its controls have been commissioned. This keeps the council informed that the building complies with the ventilation regulations.

Contractor s.67 HSE When you have completed testing and commissioning of a fixed mechanical ventilation …

Notify district council of air pressure test result

If you carry out an air pressure test to prove compliance with regulation 40(2), you must send a written notice to the district council stating the test result. The notice has to be sent no later than five days after the test is finished.

Contractor s.44 HSE When you undertake an air pressure test to demonstrate compliance with regulation …

Notify district council of building’s CO₂ emission rate

After your building work is finished, you must send a written notice to the local district council within 5 days. The notice must include the target COâ‚‚ emission rate, the actual calculated rate for the constructed building, and any major differences between the built specifications and the original design.

Contractor s.46 HSE When a CO₂ emission calculation is carried out to demonstrate compliance with …

Notify owner and council after commissioning

When you finish commissioning the fixed building services in a building, you must send a written notice within 5 days. One copy goes to the building owner confirming the services are commissioned, and another goes to the district council confirming that you have notified the owner. This keeps the building owner and the council aware that the work meets the required standards.

Contractor s.45 HSE Completion of commissioning of fixed building services under the Building Regulations

Provide fire safety info and notify council for relevant premises work

If you are carrying out building work on a premises that is classified as a relevant premises or that contains flats, you must give the person responsible for fire safety in that building all the fire‑safety information they need before the building is finished or occupied. Then, within five days of doing that, you must send a written notice to the district council confirming you have supplied the information.

Contractor Fire safety information HSE When carrying out work on a relevant premises or a building that …

Provide post‑completion information notice

After you finish work that falls under Regulation 39, you must send a written notice within five days. The notice must give the building owner enough detail about the building and its fixed services so it can be run efficiently and maintain fuel‑saving measures, and you must also confirm to the district council that this information has been provided.

Contractor s.47 HSE When Regulation 39 applies to the work being carried out

Provide ventilation system information to owner and council

After you finish work that falls under regulation 65(1), you must send a written notice to the building’s owner within five days, explaining how the ventilation system works and how it should be maintained. You also need to confirm to the district council that you have supplied this information.

Contractor s.68 HSE When regulation 65(1) applies to the work you have carried out

Penalties for non-compliance

46 penalties under this legislation. 46 carry an unlimited fine.

Unlimited fine

Fit safety devices on unvented hot‑water tanks >15 L

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.88 Penalises: Fit safety devices on unvented hot‑water tanks >15 …
Unlimited fine

Install carbon‑monoxide detection and warning in dwellings

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.72 Penalises: Install carbon‑monoxide detection and warning in dwellings
Unlimited fine

Install combustion appliances with adequate air supply

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.70 Penalises: Install combustion appliances with adequate air supply
Unlimited fine

Provide adequate ventilation for each car park space

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.66 Penalises: Provide adequate ventilation for each car park space
Unlimited fine

Provide automatic fire‑suppression system in required buildings

Unlimited fine

Summary only Automatic fire suppression systems Penalises: Provide automatic fire‑suppression system in required buildings
Unlimited fine

Affix performance notice to hearth, flue or chimney

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.74 Penalises: Affix performance notice to hearth, flue or chimney
Unlimited fine

Allow council officer to take material samples

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.16 Penalises: Allow council officer to take material samples
Unlimited fine

Build walls, floors and roofs to stop moisture ingress

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.28 Penalises: Build walls, floors and roofs to stop moisture …
Unlimited fine

Carry out work to meet energy‑efficiency standards after any change of energy status

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.42 Penalises: Carry out work to meet energy‑efficiency standards after …
Unlimited fine

Construct and protect oil storage tanks to prevent pollution

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.76 Penalises: Construct and protect oil storage tanks to prevent …
Unlimited fine

Design and build common areas to limit reverberation

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.51 Penalises: Design and build common areas to limit reverberation
Unlimited fine

Design and build external walls/roof to resist fire spread

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.36 Penalises: Design and build external walls/roof to resist fire …
Unlimited fine

Design and build loading bays to prevent vehicle‑person collisions

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.58 Penalises: Design and build loading bays to prevent vehicle‑person …
Unlimited fine

Design and build to prevent interstitial condensation

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.29 Penalises: Design and build to prevent interstitial condensation
Unlimited fine

Design and construct buildings to avoid disproportionate collapse

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.31 Penalises: Design and construct buildings to avoid disproportionate collapse
Unlimited fine

Design and construct buildings to limit internal fire spread

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.35 Penalises: Design and construct buildings to limit internal fire …
Unlimited fine

Design and construct buildings to safely resist loads

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.30 Penalises: Design and construct buildings to safely resist loads
Unlimited fine

Ensure cesspools and septic tanks are correctly built and sited

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.83 Penalises: Ensure cesspools and septic tanks are correctly built …
Unlimited fine

Ensure heating/cooking appliances are capable of smokeless burning

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.77 Penalises: Ensure heating/cooking appliances are capable of smokeless burning
Unlimited fine

Ensure internal linings resist fire spread and limit heat release

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.34 Penalises: Ensure internal linings resist fire spread and limit …
Unlimited fine

Ensure new buildings meet nearly‑zero‑energy standards

Unlimited fine

Summary only Nearly zero-energy requirements for new buildings Penalises: Ensure new buildings meet nearly‑zero‑energy standards
Unlimited fine

Ensure renovated thermal elements meet insulation standards

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.43 Penalises: Ensure renovated thermal elements meet insulation standards
Unlimited fine

Ensure stairs, ladders, ramps and landings are reasonably safe

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.56 Penalises: Ensure stairs, ladders, ramps and landings are reasonably …
Unlimited fine

Ensure windows and skylights can be opened safely

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.98 Penalises: Ensure windows and skylights can be opened safely
Unlimited fine

Fit doors and gates with safety‑view and anti‑trap features

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.59 Penalises: Fit doors and gates with safety‑view and anti‑trap …
Unlimited fine

Install combustion appliances safely to prevent burns and fire damage

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.73 Penalises: Install combustion appliances safely to prevent burns and …
Unlimited fine

Limit risk of injuries from impact with glazing

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.96 Penalises: Limit risk of injuries from impact with glazing
Unlimited fine

Prepare site and prevent contaminants (including radon)

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.26 Penalises: Prepare site and prevent contaminants (including radon)
Unlimited fine

Provide adequate acoustic conditions in school rooms

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.52 Penalises: Provide adequate acoustic conditions in school rooms
Unlimited fine

Provide adequate drainage systems for new or altered buildings

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.79 Penalises: Provide adequate drainage systems for new or altered …
Unlimited fine

Provide adequate fire detection, warning and escape in building design and construction

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.33 Penalises: Provide adequate fire detection, warning and escape in …
Unlimited fine

Provide adequate guarding to prevent falls

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.57 Penalises: Provide adequate guarding to prevent falls
Unlimited fine

Provide adequate site drainage or protect the building

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.27 Penalises: Provide adequate site drainage or protect the building
Unlimited fine

Provide adequate ventilation and commission mechanical systems

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.65 Penalises: Provide adequate ventilation and commission mechanical systems
Unlimited fine

Provide a sanitary convenience on the entrance or principal storey

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.94 Penalises: Provide a sanitary convenience on the entrance or …
Unlimited fine

Provide compliant rainwater drainage system

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.82 Penalises: Provide compliant rainwater drainage system
Unlimited fine

Provide compliant underground foul drainage

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.81 Penalises: Provide compliant underground foul drainage
Unlimited fine

Provide energy‑efficient design and services for new or altered buildings

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.39 Penalises: Provide energy‑efficient design and services for new or …
Unlimited fine

Provide hygienic solid waste storage and access

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.62 Penalises: Provide hygienic solid waste storage and access
Unlimited fine

Provide reasonable access to building and its facilities

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.91 Penalises: Provide reasonable access to building and its facilities
Unlimited fine

Provide reasonable sound insulation for residential dwellings

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.49 Penalises: Provide reasonable sound insulation for residential dwellings
Unlimited fine

Provide required sanitary appliances in dwellings and buildings

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.85 Penalises: Provide required sanitary appliances in dwellings and buildings
Unlimited fine

Provide safe access for cleaning glazing

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.99 Penalises: Provide safe access for cleaning glazing
Unlimited fine

Provide safe and hygienic waste chute systems

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.63 Penalises: Provide safe and hygienic waste chute systems
Unlimited fine

Provide safety measures for open windows, skylights and ventilators

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.60 Penalises: Provide safety measures for open windows, skylights and …
Unlimited fine

Provide suitable sanitary facilities in building extensions

Unlimited fine

Summary only s.93 Penalises: Provide suitable sanitary facilities in building extensions

Practical guidance

Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.

Sections and provisions

108 classified provisions from this legislation.

Duties 68

  • s.16 Sampling of materials
  • s.24 Urea formaldehyde foam in-situ foamed urea formaldehyde
  • s.26 Site preparation and resistance to contaminants
  • s.27 Subsoil drainage
  • s.28 Resistance to moisture and weather
  • s.29 Condensation
  • s.30 Stability
  • s.31 Disproportionate collapse
  • s.33 Means of escape
  • s.34 Internal fire spread – Linings
  • s.35 Internal fire spread – Structure
  • s.36 External fire spread
  • s.37 Facilities and access for the Fire and Rescue Service
  • s.39 Conservation measures
  • s.40 Target carbon dioxide emission rate
  • s.41 Consequential improvements
  • s.42 Change of energy status
  • s.43 Renovation of thermal elements
  • s.44 Notice of air pressure test
  • s.45 Notice of commissioning
  • ... and 48 more duties

Powers 2

  • s.15 Testing of drains and private sewers
  • s.19 Time limit on the serving of a contravention notice

Definitions 18

  • s.2 Interpretation and general Boundary Building work Conservatory
  • s.6 Application to services and fittings
  • s.8 Application to material change of use
  • s.13 Regularisation certificates Building regulations relevant building regulations Unauthorised work
  • s.22 Interpretation Relevant work Specified attachment
  • s.25 Application and interpretation Radon affected area Wall
  • s.32 Application and interpretation Dwelling Dwellinghouse Fire safety information
  • s.38 Application and interpretation Change of energy status Cogeneration District or block heating or cooling
  • s.48 Application and interpretation Reverberation School building
  • s.54 Application and interpretation Flight Ladder Landing
  • s.55 Provision of stairs in dwellings
  • s.61 Interpretation Waste container Waste Waste chute system
  • s.69 Application and interpretation Combustion appliance
  • s.78 Application and interpretation Foul water Sanitary pipework Sanitary appliance
  • s.84 Application and interpretation Domestic hot water Sanitary accommodation
  • s.90 Application and interpretation Dwelling Sanitary convenience Sanitary accommodation
  • s.95 Application and interpretation
  • Application and interpretation Application and interpretation Access point High-speed electronic communications network High-speed-ready in-building physical infrastructure

Exemptions 11

  • Schedule 2 CLASSES OF EXEMPTED BUILDINGS
  • s.3 Transitional provisions
  • s.4 Exemptions
  • s.7 Application to alterations and extensions
  • s.9 Giving of notices and deposit of plans
  • s.11 Application for a type approval certificate for the erection of a dwelling or dwellings
  • s.12 Notice of commencement and completion of certain stages of work
  • s.17 Exercise of power of dispensation or relaxation
  • s.23 Fitness of materials and workmanship
  • s.64 Application
  • s.87 Sanitary accommodation