The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s ‘Code of Practice for the remediation of residential buildings’ (the Code) has been updated on 1 May 2025. 

It sets expectations for resident engagement during the lifecycle of planned works to remediate a ‘relevant building’ under the Building Safety Act 2022 (i.e., a building with at least two dwellings, and at least 11m or five storeys, in England), where building safety defects are present. 

The Code is relevant to freeholders, developers, construction companies, landlords, agents, and any others responsible for delivering and managing remediation projects.

But do you know the Code? Take this quiz to find out:

1. The Code is legally binding - true/false.
2. The Code was first published in 2023 – true/false.
3. The Code focusses on works that are required to mitigate fire safety risks caused by an external wall system – true/false.

Answers below!

There is also a short factsheet for residents: ‘Code of Practice for the remediation of residential buildings: What it means for residents’ (accessible from the same link as above).

To fully decode its contents, do read the Code in full. 

We can help with any issues you may be experiencing around resident engagement, or consultation requirements generally, in relation to major works at ‘relevant buildings’ under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Answers

1. False, the code is not legally binding; rather, housing providers are expected to adhere to it. The Code states: “This Code of Practice for the Remediation of Residential Buildings (the Code) sets clear expectations of those undertaking and managing remediation projects. The Code is guidance, but we are clear that all projects are expected to follow the Code. We will look to ensure that projects are compliant and take action if necessary.”
    
2. True, the code was first published on 23 July 2023, so it has been around a while.
    
3. True, ‘Part 1 – Scope’ of the Code confirms this is “because of the particularly significant impacts that these works can have on residents’ homes and lives. Elements of the Code are also applicable to other types of significant projects where works are being carried out in multi-occupancy residential buildings.”