The Building Safety Framework in Wales

At a glance

Wales has enacted sweeping building safety legislation affecting all multi-occupied residential buildings.

The Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026 (BS(W)A 2026) creates new duties for landlords, freeholders, and managing agents of multi-occupied residential property in Wales. Its origins lie in the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 and Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, which recommended fundamental reform. 

The requirements under the BS(W)A 2026 depend on which of three categories the building falls within. 

Not all requirements are yet in force. Some provisions came into force on 28 April 2026, but many require commencement orders and secondary legislation. Implementation is expected from April 2027, starting with Category 1 buildings (at least 18 metres tall or at least 7 storeys).

This note offers an overview of the key changes, including new duties, compliance requirements, timelines, and risks.

These developments form part of a UK-wide approach to improving building safety. This note also highlights how the Welsh regime differs from the English regime under the Building Safety Act 2022 (the BSA).