Fire Door Repair Responsibilities – Important Update for Residents
We want to clarify who is responsible for repairing or replacing fire doors – both inside apartments and in the common areas – and how this relates to the Government’s Developer Remediation Contract (2023), which Berkeley Group (Parent of Berkely Homes) has signed.
Who is Responsible?
Scenario 1: Fire door built wrong (design, manufacturing or installation fault).
Who pays?: Developer (under the Government’s Developer Remediation Contract).
Scenario 2: Fire door worn out / damaged / not maintained
Who pays?: Responsible Person (Leaseholder or Rendall & Rittner, depending on location)
Key Takeaway:
Leaseholders should not have to pay for fire door defects caused by poor construction — the developer must fix these.
Fire Door Types & Responsibilities
- Apartment Front Doors: Leaseholder’s responsibility unless defective due to construction.
- Internal Apartment Doors: Leaseholder’s responsibility.
- Common Part Fire Doors: Berkely Homes/Rendall & Rittner’s responsibility unless defective due to construction (then developer pays).
What You Should Do
- Ask Rendall & Rittner or Berkeley Homes for updates on your building’s remediation status and timeline.
- Request written confirmation of surveys, scope of works, and expected start dates.
- Keep records of all communication, costs, and safety concerns.
- Escalate unresolved issues to your local council building control or MP.
Need Help Challenging Inspection Reports?
If you receive an inspection report or invoice that you believe is wrong – especially if it asks you to pay for defective doors that should be covered by the developer – contact WARA for support.
Contact WARA: Click Here (Select ‘Maintenance‘ for the action area relevant to your enquiry.
We can help you to understand your rights, and assist in challenge incorrect charges.