From 30 September 2026, all new residential buildings over 18 metres must be designed with a second staircase under Building Safety Act 2022 regulations. The rule impacts design, viability, and lettable space in new tall residential developments.
The two-staircase rule is part of the government's fire safety reforms following the Grenfell Tower fire.
It ensures that occupants of tall residential buildings have two independent evacuation routes.
Action required
No immediate action for existing landlords. Developers and investors in new-build schemes above 18 metres should factor the second staircase requirement into design and financial appraisals.
Effective
30 September 2026
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