Over the past few months, a significant issue has surfaced in the UK’s fire safety sector, specifically concerning EWS1 forms. A leading fire engineer has been suspended by the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) after it was discovered that thousands of EWS1 forms were completed incorrectly. This development has had a domino effect, with UK mortgage lenders refusing to accept the affected EWS1 forms, leaving leaseholders, lenders, and the broader property market in a state of uncertainty.

What Went Wrong?

The issue centres around compliance and competency. EWS1 Option B forms, which pertain to external wall fire safety assessments, must be signed off by a chartered engineer accredited through the IFE and registered with the Engineering Council. Alternatively, the person signing the form must have completed the RICS EWS1 Assessor course and be appropriately registered.

Unfortunately, ambiguous wording in the RICS guidance, such as “should” and “could,” has created confusion, leading to misinterpretations of requirements. This ambiguity, coupled with the limited number of qualified engineers, has led to forms being incorrectly completed, and in some cases, significant fire risks being overlooked.

The result? The suspension of the engineer in question, the rejection of EWS1 forms by lenders, and a ripple effect that has left leaseholders unable to sell their flats and mortgage lenders cautious about engaging in property deals reliant on these forms.

The Wider Impact

This situation has far-reaching consequences:

1. For Leaseholders: Many are now stuck in limbo, unable to sell their properties until their EWS1 forms are rectified or reissued.
2. For Lenders: The refusal to accept these forms affects property transactions, causing delays and financial uncertainty.
3. For Engineers: With the spotlight on accountability, fire engineers are facing increased scrutiny, potential liability claims, and challenges in securing professional indemnity insurance (PII).
4. For the Industry: A lack of resources and qualified professionals capable of signing off these forms compounds the problem, creating bottlenecks in addressing these issues.

How MAF Associates is Responding

At MAF Associates, we recognise the urgency of this issue and have established a dedicated team to assist property owners, lenders, and leaseholders. Our team specialises in:

• Peer Reviewing EWS1 Forms: We offer expert reviews of previously issued forms to ensure compliance with current RICS and IFE standards.
• Supporting Technical Reports: Our fire engineers thoroughly examine supporting documentation to identify and rectify any inaccuracies.
• Reissuing Compliant EWS1 Forms: We ensure that all forms meet the stringent requirements of lenders and regulatory bodies, providing peace of mind for all stakeholders.

Why Choose MAF Associates?

• Proven Expertise: Our team includes chartered fire engineers and professionals registered with the Engineering Council.
• Commitment to Compliance: We follow the latest RICS and IFE guidelines to deliver accurate and reliable assessments.
• Client-Centric Approach: We understand the stress and financial impact this situation has on leaseholders and property owners. Our streamlined process is designed to provide timely and efficient solutions.

A Call to Action

If you’re facing issues with EWS1 forms due to the recent developments or need expert guidance, MAF Associates is here to help. Don’t let incorrect forms stand in the way of property transactions or compliance—contact our team today to discuss your requirements.

Every cloud has a silver lining. While this situation is challenging, it also presents an opportunity to raise industry standards and restore trust in fire safety assessments. At MAF Associates, we are proud to be part of the solution.

For more information or to request assistance with EWS1 forms, reach out to our team or our contact form below. Together, we can navigate these challenges and ensure fire safety compliance for all.