Falls can involve loose guarding, low openings, climbable features or defective stairs. A competent assessment should consider the actual home and use.
Inspect the actual condition
- Check loose rails, broken balustrades, damaged steps and windows with unsafe opening arrangements.
- Consider children, mobility needs and furniture that changes access to an opening.
- Identify whether the area can be used safely while work is arranged.
Specify the repair
- Use competent advice on guarding, restrictors and structural fixing where needed.
- Check applicable building requirements and any lease or shared-area responsibility.
- Coordinate fall protection with ventilation and fire-escape needs.
Check after work
- Confirm the installed arrangement matches the specification and operates as intended.
- Explain any controls or restrictions to occupants.
- Revisit reported looseness or damage rather than relying on the original installation date.
Example: a balcony rail becomes loose
A fictional tenant reports movement in a balcony guard. Restrict unsafe use appropriately and arrange competent assessment promptly. A visual photograph alone cannot establish the strength of its fixing.
What to do
- Record the location and nature of the risk.
- Arrange competent assessment and any immediate protection.
- Verify the repair preserves both fall protection and required escape.
Evidence to keep
- Inspection findings, photographs and relevant building information.
- Specifications, completed work and follow-up.
Sources and guidance
- Fitness of homes for human habitation: landlord guidanceWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act: landlord guideUK Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Repairing Standard: statutory guidanceScottish Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Building regulations approvalUK Government · checked 20 October 2026