Once engineers are instructed to identify whether a property has been built with compostable materials, many additional issues are being uncovered according to Kate Davies, executive director at IMLA.
Davies (pictured) explains that the problem with this is that many issues with the buildings construction are then uncovered, with no one there to be held accountable, which as a result, the financial burden falls on the leaseholder.
On 8 March, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) revealed new guidance relating to cladding.
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The guidance clarifies which types of properties will, and will not, require additional inspections due to concerns about fire safety.
Davies noted that while there is the health risk associated with poorly constructed properties, more needs to be done to hold the right people accountable, as the blame and financial burden should not fall upon the leaseholders.
Davies said: “The government is beginning to do the right thing, following reports outlining how badly leaseholders have been being treated.
“While the government has revealed a £5bn fund to help support the cladding crisis, it is estimated that £15bn will be required in order to solve it across the country.”
Davies questions who should pay to re-clad properties and who is responsible.
She added: “If the housebuilders did not properly construct the properties in the first place, why should it be the leaseholders who are required to pay to resolve these issues.”
