What’s the Building Safety Act?

The Building Safety Act 2022 is a new law in England and Wales and has regulations on how to ensure buildings are safe and well maintained, especially in relation to structure and fire spread. This means it is very important to us. There is more detail in another set of rules called ‘Statutory Instruments’.

The act relates to all buildings however, there are special requirements for taller buildings, often known as high-rise buildings. These buildings are at least 18meters in height or have 7 storeys or more, with at least 2 residential units. Not all of our accommodation falls into this category, but some do.

In line with the new law, we’ll keep up-to-date documents of how the building is designed, built, taken care of and changed. We will also keep you informed and ask for your input when needed.

Is my building a high-rise building?

Unipol has 6 buildings which fall into this category. Four in which Unipol is the ‘Principle Accountable Person’ (PAP); Carlton Hill, Cotton House, One Mill Street & Sandhills and two buildings which we manage on behalf of others so Unipol is an Accountable Person. These are Grayson Heights (PAP: Leeds City Council) and The Student Hideout (PAP: RedOak Property) and Unipol works closely with these companies to ensure the safety of the building and you.

What does this mean to me?

To comply with the Act there are responsibilities that both Unipol as the building operator and you, as the tenant have to ensure the building is safe.

Unipol’s Responsibilities

• We’ll tell you if we find any issue with a properties structure, electrical or safety systems and also share how we are keeping you safe while we fix it
• We’ll share fire safety and prevention information with you
• We’ll carry out regular Fire Risk Assessments
• We’ll regularly make sure safety systems are working, such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, emergency lighting fire doors and escape routes
• If we find a safety system fault, we’ll respond within 2 hours and fix them as soon as we can
• While working on safety systems, we’ll have different methods to manage risks, such as increased patrols, or installing temporary systems
• We’ll remove any item from communal areas which may cause or escalate a fire and we’ll keep escape routes clear
• We’ll have emergency exits routes identified clearly and a fire notice within every flat.
• We’ll always keep your safety as our priority when making decisions about the building

Your Responsibilities

• You and your guests will know the escape routes in your property
• If there’s a fire alarm you follow the information on the fire notice
• If you feel your safety is at risk you’ll call 999
• You’ll report any found or suspected faults with your safety systems such as the fire alarm or fire doors
• You’ll tell us if you’re concerned about the safety of your property
• You won’t tamper or damage safety equipment
• You’ll keep your hob, oven and cooker hood clean to prevent fire
• You won’t let rubbish build up in the property
• You’ll read information we share about building safety
• You can find out more about fire safety at Unipol and your role in this here

On your tenant portal you can find certain safety information about your flat or building. This information relates to how we keep you and your building safe. If you would like to see any additional building safety information you can request this by contacting buildingsafety@unipol.org.uk  or by completing the Building Safety Contact Form.

What is a building safety risk?

A building safety risk, as defined by the Act, is any risk that would cause or affect the spread of fire or structural failure within the building and therefore be a risk to the safety of those within it.

Concerns could include:

• Fire detection and alarms are damaged or not working
• Emergency lighting is damaged and not working
• Fire doors to your own or other flats or blocks are damaged and not closing properly
• You are concerned about the building electric or gas and feel they are unsafe
• We have been to resolve an issue multiple times, but you are still concerned about safety
• Your building is insecure, and non-residents are often gaining access
• The building structure appears damaged and could cause a hazard
• The performance or a response form an accountable person (someone who is responsible for your buildings safety)

How do I report a building safety concern in my high-rise building?

Before reporting a building safety concern, please consider if the concern you have needs immediate attention.

If you have a building safety concerns that requires immediate attention, call 0113 205 3401

If someone is in immediate danger, or there is a threat to life call the emergency services on 999.

For all other building safety concerns you can report your concern by email to buildingsafety@unipol.org.uk or complete the Building Safety Contact Form. Our Compliance and Facilities Team will aim to respond within 3 working days.

If you are aware of anything else that needs action from us, please report it in the normal way on the tenant portal

Other contacts

If you have reported your concern to us and feel that we have not responded to your concerns, you (or someone on your behalf) can raise this via Unipol’s complaints procedure.

You are also able to raise them with the Building Safety Regulator. You can do this online or by phone.

Online

Contact the Building Safety Regulator

Phone

0300 790 6787

(Monday to Friday 08:30am to 5pm, expect Wednesdays when they open from 10am)

Grayson Heights residents can also email Leeds City Council about a building safety concern at buildingsafety@leeds.gov.uk, if you do we ask that you also contact us.