Building safety rules have been changing rapidly in recent years. In 2026, this pace is set to continue. RMCs, freeholders and managing agents can expect tighter checks, more detailed records and rising expectations from insurers, lenders and regulators.
Safety will not be a simple box-ticking task. It will be an active duty that touches every part of building management.
Here we will be looking at what 2026 may bring, covering growing demands for structured safety documents, the wider use of digital “golden thread” tools and how mid-rise blocks will face standards once linked only to higher-risk buildings.
A Shift to Structured Safety Documents
By 2026, most insurers and lenders are expected to request full document packs at each renewal, sale or remortgage. This shift is driven by the effects of the Building Safety Act 2022, new fire door safety guidance and the high risks involved in UK property insurance.
Insurers argue that clear documentation helps them judge risk more fairly, while lenders say it protects borrowers and the wider market. For Resident Management Companies, clear records reduce delays, avoid sudden costs and support stable cover.
Document packs may need to include:
- Safety case elements
Buildings that fall under the higher-risk category already need safety case reports. Many mid-rise blocks are not legally required to produce them, but insurers and lenders are looking for similar evidence. They want to see the building’s main risks, how they are managed and what controls are in place to prevent any issues.
- FRAE (Fire Risk Assessment of External Walls)
Since the introduction of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, many buildings must show clear evidence of their external wall risk – FRAEs have become the accepted format. By 2026, blocks with any cladding or complex external features may be asked to supply them, even if not required by law.
- PAS 9980 assessments
PAS 9980 assessments provide a method for judging external wall fire risk. This is the document used by fire engineers to support a FRAE. Lenders now expect PAS 9980 outputs during flat sales. This trend is set to continue, and many will refuse to proceed without it.
- Maintenance logs
The “show your work” approach is becoming the expected norm. Resident Management Companies should expect insurers to ask for logs of your fire doors, alarms, lifts, sprinklers, smoke control and other systems. Missing evidence may lead to higher premiums, exclusions, or refusal to insure.
Mid-Rise Blocks Will Face Higher Standards Too
Much discussion since 2022 has focused on higher-risk buildings (those over 18 metres or seven storeys in height, known as HRBs), but by 2026, many mid-rise blocks are expected to face similar safety expectations, even if legal duties continue to differ.
There are three main reasons for this:
1. Insurers are treating many mid-rise blocks as near-HRBs: If a block has cladding, complex geometry, unknown materials, or mixed systems, insurers may ask for the same evidence required for taller buildings.
2. Lenders want consistency: Mortgage delays caused by unclear safety reports have made lenders more cautious. Many now use internal “traffic light” systems. Buildings with unclear records may fall into an amber or red category, slowing sales.
3. Market pressure is growing: Residents, buyers and management agents want proof that buildings are safe. A higher standard or clarity is becoming normal industry practice.
This means mid-rise blocks will need clearer documentation, more frequent checks and better long-term record-keeping. They may not need a full safety case report under law, but they will need similar content to satisfy the market.
Digital “Golden Thread” Tools Will Become the Norm
The golden thread of information is a core part of the Building Safety Act. It requires higher-risk buildings to keep digital, accurate and secure records for the building’s whole life. But the idea is spreading fast as it bolsters safety.
By 2026, many mid-rise and even low-rise blocks will be using digital systems for:
- Plans and drawings
- Fire risk assessments
- Maintenance schedules
- Inspection logs
- Asset registers
- Contractor records
- Resident engagement
These systems are becoming cheaper and more user-friendly, with many managing agents already rolling them out to all blocks for consistency. Digital systems also help with insurance renewals, where fast access to documents is key.
The move to digital tools reduces the chances of human error and prevents gaps caused by changing staff or managing agents. Insurers support this shift because it gives them a clear picture of building safety over time.
What RMCs Should be Doing Now to Prepare for 2026
The best approach for Resident Management Companies is early adoption of higher-risk-building practises. First, review all your documentation.
Make sure you have an up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment, Fire Risk Assessment of External Walls and PAS 9980 if needed. Check that you have documented your fire doors checks, emergency lighting tests, lift inspections and servicing. Also check your As-Built documentation and any Operation and Maintenance information is up to date and accessible. If something is missing, plan to update it before renewal season.
Next is your move to digital storage. A secure digital system helps keep everything in one place. It supports your relationship with managing agents and prevents delays across the board.
Insurers increasingly ask for evidence of planned maintenance, not reactive repairs. Creating a five-year or even ten-year plan will help. While you are drawing up your plan, factor in the potential for more frequent assessments and make sure there is a budget allocation for this.
Conclusion
The direction of building safety is clear. By 2026, compliance will be deeper, more structured and more digital. Document packs will be key, mid-rise blocks will face higher expectations and digital golden thread systems will be used widely, not only for the tallest buildings.
For RMCs, the best approach is to prepare early, keep full records and work closely with managing agents and fire experts. Strong evidence and clear planning will make 2026 smoother, safer and more secure for everyone involved.
