Landlords must pay for the removal of Grenfell-style cladding

"There is a moral imperative for private sector landlords to do the right thing..."

The Communities Secretary has warned landlords and developers they must take action over potentially dangerous cladding or face the consequences.

Dozens of building owners and developers have been contacted by MP James Brokenshire, telling them that it is their responsibility to remove aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding.

This follows the revelation that many homeowners were asked to pay for works to remove unsafe cladding on the buildings in which they live after many building owners refused to pay for the work.

The government has already committed to funding the replacement of cladding on all social tower blocks.

In letters to over 60 building owners and developers, Brokenshire said: “There is a moral imperative for private sector landlords to do the right thing and remove unsafe cladding quickly, and not leave leaseholders to cover the cost.”

Anyone who fails to do so or that does not act quickly enough, will face council enforcement, Brokenshire warned.

Though the Grenfell Tower Inquiry into the tragic fire that killed 72 people is still ongoing, the aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding is believed to be a major contributing factor to how quickly the fire spread and has been deemed unsafe.

Currently, 293 private sector buildings have been found to have similar style cladding, and though some developers and building owners, such as Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Developments, have agreed to fund all replacement works, it is still unknown how works on 200 of the buildings will proceed.

Tenants or residents concerned about their building can follow this fire safety advice from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.