Leaseholders can now check their eligibility for a share of the �4.5 billion Building Safety Fund, which has reopened to take new applications.'� '�

Those living in buildings over 18m with cladding issues can apply for a share of the fund. However, the DLUHC tells LandlordZONE that private landlords who own a leasehold flat in a building that might be eligible cannot apply directly and should speak to their building owner or managing agent to register an application on their behalf.

Where a landlord'�s leasehold property is in a block that is eligible and a successful application is made, costs for any works to address the risk posed by cladding will be covered by the fund.

Protections checker

A new online Leaseholder Protections Checker (www.gov.uk/check-building-safety-costs) will help leaseholders discover if they qualify; they will need to complete and submit a leaseholder Deed of Certificate to their building owner to confirm if they have anything to pay or not.

Under the Building Safety Act, leaseholders can legally prove that they are protected from historical building safety costs. The protections prevent qualifying leaseholders from paying the majority of costs to fix fire safety defects in their homes, and make those responsible, and those who own the buildings, pay instead.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Greg Clark (main pic), says: 'The Building Safety Act makes clear building owners'� liabilities and gives us powers to pursue those that continue to flout the rules.

"It has also introduced far-reaching legal protections to relieve many leaseholders from the financial burden of fixing their homes. With these now fully up and running, I urge any homeowners who may qualify to see if they are eligible using our online Leaseholder Protections Checker as soon as possible.'�