Who Needs an EWS1 ?

Understanding Your Building’s Requirements

If you own, manage, or live in a building with cladding or other external wall systems, you may need an EWS1 form to ensure mortgageability and fire safety compliance. Understanding whether your property requires an assessment and who is responsible for obtaining one can be complex. Our expert team can guide you through the process and provide a professional EWS1 assessment.

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If you own, manage, or live in a building with cladding or other external wall systems, you may need an EWS1 form to ensure mortgageability and fire safety compliance.

Does your property require an EWS1 Survey?

Not all buildings need one, but many with cladding or certain external wall systems do. Mortgage lenders and property buyers often request an assessment to confirm fire safety compliance.

An EWS1 Certification and survey is required for buildings where mortgage lenders need assurance about the safety of the external wall system. While not every property needs an EWS1, certain types of buildings are more likely to require an assessment.

1. Buildings with Cladding

Any residential building with external cladding may require an EWS1 form.
Mortgage lenders often request an EWS1 if there are concerns about combustible materials in the façade.

2. High-Rise Buildings (Over 18m or Six Storeys and Above)

Buildings over six storeys with any cladding, balconies, or external wall attachments are typically required to have an EWS1 form.
This applies even if the building was constructed with fire safety measures in mind.

3. Mid-Rise Buildings (Five to Six Storeys)

An EWS1 form is usually required if over 25% of the external façade is covered in cladding.
Buildings with stacked balconies that are constructed with combustible materials may also need an assessment.

4. Low-Rise Buildings (Four Storeys or Fewer)

EWS1 forms are only required if the building has highly combustible materials such as:
- Aluminium Composite Material (ACM)
- Metal Composite Material (MCM)
- High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels
- Other materials known to present significant fire risks

5. Mixed-Use Buildings

If a residential building has commercial units (e.g., shops, offices, or restaurants) on the lower floors and residential properties above, an EWS1 form may be required depending on the materials used in the external walls.

Who is Responsible? Understanding Your Legal Obligations

The responsibility for obtaining an EWS1 form typically falls on the building owner, freeholder, or property management company. Knowing who should arrange the assessment can help ensure compliance and avoid delays in property transactions.

1. Freeholders and Building Owners

The legal responsibility for obtaining an EWS1 form generally falls on the building’s freeholder or owner.
They are responsible for arranging the assessment, covering the costs, and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.

2. Property Management Companies

If a management company is responsible for maintaining the building, they may be tasked with organizing the EWS1 assessment.
They act on behalf of leaseholders and freeholders to ensure the building meets safety standards.

3. Leaseholders and Residents

Individual leaseholders cannot request an EWS1 form on their own.
However, they can pressure the freeholder or management company to arrange an assessment if needed for mortgage applications or sales.
In some cases, leaseholders may face costs through service charges, though government funding may be available for affected buildings.

4. Mortgage Lenders

While lenders do not arrange EWS1 forms, they often require one before approving a mortgage.
If a form is not available, lenders may refuse to offer a mortgage until an assessment is completed.

5. Government Schemes and Developers

Some government-backed schemes provide funding for EWS1 assessments and remedial work for unsafe cladding.
In some cases, developers may be required to cover the cost of an assessment if fire safety concerns were due to construction defects.