Building Act 1984

The Building Act 1984 is the primary UK legislation that provides the legal framework for the Building Regulations made under it, including the most recent Building Regulations 2010 and their supporting Approved Documents. The Act sets out powers for the Secretary of State to make regulations, defines the role of Building Control, and provides for enforcement, dangerous structures and demolition. It applies across England and Wales, with separate building regulation arrangements in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Practical implications for homeowners include recognising that the Building Act is the underlying source of the obligations in Approved Document H and the rest of the Approved Document suite. Enforcement is by Local Authority Building Control or Approved Inspectors as set out under the Act. The formal reference is the Building Act 1984 (c.55) as amended, regularly read alongside the Building Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/2214).