The Building Safety Act Explained: What ‘Reasonable Steps’ Really Look Like in Practice
The introduction of the Building Safety Act has brought increased attention to compliance across block management in London. For many Resident Directors and freeholders, the challenge is not a lack of willingness to comply, but understanding what that actually means in practice.
One phrase appears repeatedly within the legislation: taking “reasonable steps”.
On paper, it sounds straightforward. In reality, it can feel open to interpretation.
The good news is that “reasonable” does not mean perfect. It means structured, consistent, and well-evidenced.
What does “reasonable steps” actually mean?
At a high level, Section 124 of the Building Safety Act places a clear expectation on those responsible for building safety: to take appropriate, proportionate steps to identify, manage, and reduce risks within the building.
This is not about eliminating all risk, which would be unrealistic. It is about demonstrating that risks are understood, monitored, and managed in a sensible and organised way – with clear evidence to support that approach if required.
For Resident Directors, this is an important distinction. The focus is not on becoming a technical expert overnight. It is on ensuring that the right processes are in place, and that those processes are being followed consistently.
Compliance is not a one-off exercise
One of the most common misconceptions is that compliance can be “completed” – that once reports are filed or works are carried out, the obligation is satisfied.
In reality, good estate management in London treats compliance as an ongoing process.
This includes:
- Regular review of building safety risks and documentation
- Keeping records up to date and accessible
- Ensuring inspections and maintenance are carried out as planned
- Maintaining clear oversight of contractors and specialist advisors
Rather than a single milestone, compliance becomes part of the building’s day-to-day governance. This ongoing approach aligns closely with the intent behind Section 124 – where responsibility is defined not by a single action, but by consistent, demonstrable oversight.
The role of records and visibility
One of the clearest ways to demonstrate “reasonable steps” is through good record-keeping.
If a regulator, resident, or stakeholder asks how safety is being managed, the answer should not rely on memory or assumption. It should be supported by clear, structured documentation.
This might include:
- Fire risk assessments and safety reports
- Logs of inspections, testing, and maintenance
- Records of decisions made and actions taken
- Evidence of communication with relevant parties
For many property management companies in London, this is where the difference between reactive and well-managed buildings becomes most visible.
It is not about producing more paperwork. It is about maintaining the right information in a way that is organised and easy to access.
Oversight, not overcomplication
Another important aspect of “reasonable steps” is oversight.
Resident Directors are not expected to carry out technical inspections themselves. However, they are expected to ensure that qualified professionals are engaged, and that their recommendations are understood and acted upon.
This includes:
- Appointing appropriate contractors and specialists
- Reviewing reports at a high level
- Ensuring recommended actions are followed through
- Maintaining awareness of key risks and timelines
The emphasis is on being informed and engaged, rather than personally responsible for every technical detail.
A steady approach to evolving regulation
The Building Safety Act reflects a broader shift within the industry towards greater accountability and transparency.
For those involved in property management services in London, this is not a temporary change, but part of a longer-term direction.
Regulation will continue to evolve. Expectations will become more clearly defined over time.
In this context, the most effective approach is not to react to each change in isolation, but to establish a structured, consistent way of managing compliance as a whole.
Reducing uncertainty for Resident Directors
For many Resident Directors, the greatest challenge is not the work itself, but the uncertainty around it.
Am I doing enough?
Is something being missed?
What would happen if we were asked to demonstrate compliance?
These are reasonable concerns.
In practice, confidence comes from having a clear framework in place – one that covers risk assessment, record-keeping, oversight, and regular review.
When that framework is operating properly, the question shifts from uncertainty to assurance.
Guidance you can rely on
Strong residential property management companies London recognise that compliance is as much about clarity as it is about process.
At Olympus Management, the focus is on helping clients navigate these responsibilities in a calm, structured way – ensuring that the right steps are being taken, properly recorded, and consistently reviewed.
It is not about overcomplicating the process. It is about ensuring nothing important is overlooked.
Practical, proportionate, and properly managed
The concept of “reasonable steps” is intentionally flexible. It allows for proportionate action based on the building, its risks, and its specific circumstances.
When approached correctly, it becomes a practical framework rather than a source of concern.
Structured processes. Clear records. Ongoing oversight.
These are the foundations of compliance that is both effective and sustainable.
Talk to our experts today
If you would like clear, practical support with building safety compliance and block management in London, our team would be pleased to help.
Contact Olympus Management to discuss your building and how we can support you.
