The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors developed the EWS1 form which came into use in December 2019. It records what assessment/fire survey has been carried out on the external wall system for buildings of 18 metres or more above ground level “or where specific concerns exist”.
Flat owners seeking to sell or re-mortgage their homes are asked by lenders to complete an EWS1 form. EWS1 forms are not a legal requirement but lenders may refuse a mortgage application where one cannot be produced.
The EWS process involves a fire safety assessment by a suitably qualified professional who completes the EWS1 form. More information can be found on the RICS website.
EWS1 forms are valid for five years. Where a building has been altered a new form may be needed.
The EWS is a set way for a building owner to confirm to valuers and lenders that an external cladding system on residential buildings in scope above 18 metres in height (approximately 6-storeys) has been assessed by a suitable expert. Not every building in scope above 18m will require an EWS1 form – only those with some form of combustible cladding or combustible material on balconies.
Owners of flats in buildings without cladding do not need an EWS1 form to sell or re-mortgage their property. This follows on from an agreement reached between the Government and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), UK Finance and the Building Societies Association (BSA). The full press release issued on 21st November 2020 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Despite this announcement, there will be properties with issues other than cladding which will not become automatically exempt from a fire survey. Buildings with wooden balconies, and other safety issues, will still be required to undertake the external fire safety checks.
By exception there may be some residential buildings below 18m which may have ‘specific concerns. These would be 4 & 5 storey buildings in scope which may have combustible cladding or balconies with combustible materials, which are only a clear and obvious danger to life safety and may require remediation in accordance with the latest Government advice.