Leaseholders Struggle as EWS1 Fire Risk Forms Are Found to Be Incorrect
Selling a property in the UK has become a nightmare for many homeowners after thousands of fire risk assessments were allegedly carried out incorrectly.
As a result, some properties have been deemed "unmortgageable," making it nearly impossible for owners to sell.
Dr. Al Pinkerton MP has raised concerns that EWS1 forms—documents used to assess the fire safety of multi-storey buildings—were completed inaccurately, leaving leaseholders stuck with properties they can’t remortgage or sell.
What Is the EWS1 Form?
The External Wall Fire Risk Assessment Service (EWS1) was introduced after the Grenfell tragedy to evaluate the safety of a building’s external walls. In theory, this should give buyers, sellers, and lenders clarity on whether a property is safe. However, a series of incorrect assessments have now thrown thousands of homeowners into limbo.
How Did This Happen?
Following complaints from leaseholders, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government carried out independent audits on certain properties. These audits overturned fire risk assessments conducted by Adam Kiziac of Tri-Fire, a fire risk professional who had been responsible for a significant number of EWS1 reports.
As a result, Kiziac has been suspended by The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), which stated that he had “failed to maintain and work within professional competence.”
How Many Buildings Are Affected?
The full scale of the issue isn’t yet clear, but an EWS1 support group on Facebook estimates that Kiziac may have assessed as many as 6,000 buildings.
Kiziac, however, disputes the allegations against him, stating:
“I am confident that at all times I have acted in accordance with the IFE ethics procedure and my duty as an incorporated engineer and member of the Institution. I do not accept the claims that have been made. I do not agree with the outcome of the panel.”
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
Many lenders, including Virgin Money, Nationwide, and NatWest, are now refusing to offer mortgages on properties assessed by Kiziac. This means thousands of homeowners may find themselves unable to sell or remortgage until new, reliable fire safety assessments are carried out.
For leaseholders caught in the middle, this is a frustrating and costly situation. If you’re affected, it’s essential to seek professional advice to understand your next steps.