What Is a “Higher-Risk Building” (HRB) and Does My Building Qualify?
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced a new category of buildings called Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). Owners and managers of these buildings must meet stricter safety rules, including carrying out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk of structural failure and preparing a Safety Case Report for the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
If you are unsure whether your building is considered higher risk, understanding the legal definition is the first step to compliance.
How the Building Safety Act Defines an HRB
An HRB is any occupied building that meets all of the following criteria:
- It is at least 18 metres in height or has seven or more storeys.
- It contains two or more residential units such as flats or apartments.
The definition applies to a wide range of residential settings, including:
- Apartment blocks and multi-storey residential towers
- Student accommodation that meets the height and occupancy rules
- Care homes and hospitals that contain overnight residential accommodation
- Mixed-use buildings where residential units sit above commercial floors
If your building meets the height and occupancy threshold, it is likely to fall under the HRB category.
Special Cases and Clarifications
Some buildings that may not look like traditional flats can still qualify:
- Care homes and healthcare facilities with overnight patients are counted if they reach the 18-metre or seven-storey limit.
- Student residences are included when they meet both height and occupancy rules.
- Mixed-use developments must comply if the residential portion satisfies the HRB criteria.
Single family houses, hotels and secure residential institutions are generally not included, but professional advice is recommended for unusual property types.
Next Steps for Owners and Managers
If you are unsure whether your building qualifies, consider its height, number of storeys and residential use. Where records are unclear, a professional measurement or appraisal may be required. Once confirmed, you should plan for the structural safety assessment early, as the process can involve desk studies, site inspections and, if needed, intrusive investigations.
How We Can Help
At Structures Made Easy, we help owners and managers determine whether their building is classed as higher risk and prepare the required BSR-ready structural reports. Our service includes:
- Competence and Chartered sign-off
- Proven HRB experience
- Fast turnaround to meet compliance deadlines
- Portfolio pricing for owners with multiple properties
- BSR-ready reporting format aligned with regulator expectations
Our clear advice and robust reporting make it easier to confirm HRB status and stay fully compliant with the Building Safety Act 2022.
Why HRB Classification Matters
If your building qualifies as an HRB, you must:
- 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.
Failure to comply can lead to regulatory action, enforcement notices and potential delays in refinancing, selling or insuring the property.
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