Leaseholder groups are increasingly using Section 132 of the BSA to demand information from landlords. Review recent tribunal judgements that show a zero-tolerance approach to landlord non-compliance.. Courts Get Tough on BSA Information Requests: Section 132 Enforcement The landscape of building safety in the UK is undergoing a profound transformation, with leaseholders increasingly empowered to demand transparency from their landlords. A key driver of this shift is Section 132 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022), which grants leaseholders the right to access crucial information relating to building safety. While the BSA 2022 is relatively new, a clear trend has emerged in the First tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), demonstrating a firm stance against landlord non compliance. By late 2026, the Tribunal's track record unequivocally favours leaseholders in their pursuit of safety related financial information, marking a significant victory for transparency and accountability in the sector. This article delves into the implications of these rulings, providing essential insights for Responsible Persons, Accountable Persons, and fire engineers operating within this evolving regulatory framework. The Power of Section 132: Unpacking Leaseholder Rights Section 132 of the BSA 2022 is a powerful tool designed to address historical imbalances in information accessibility for leaseholders. It fundamentally shifts the onus, requiring landlords to provide information that enables leaseholders to understand and challenge building safety costs and related matters. This includes details pertinent to the identification of the 'relevant landlord' for service charge purposes, structural and fire safety defects, and remediation plans. The importance of this provision cannot be overstated; it underpins the ability of leaseholders to engage meaningfully with decisions affecting their homes and finances. The First tier Tribunal's consistent application of S.132 underscores the legislature's intent to foster a more open and equitable relationship between landlords and leaseholders concerning building safety. First tier Tribunal: A Zero Tolerance Stance on Non Compliance Recent tribunal judgments have established a clear precedent: a 'zero tolerance' approach to landlord non compliance with Section 132 requests. The Tribunal's rulings consistently highlight the importance of timely and comprehensive disclosure. Failure to provide requested information, or providing incomplete or evasive responses, has resulted in landlords being ordered to comply, often with adverse costs implications. This robust enforcement sends a strong message to building owners and managers: the days of obfuscation and delay are over. The Tribunal’s decisions demonstrate a commitment to upholding the spirit of the BSA 2022, ensuring that leaseholders are not left in the dark regarding critical safety information affecting their properties. This judicial firmness is a vital component of the wider regulatory push for enhanced building safety. Interplay with Other Fire Safety Legislation The requirements of Section 132 do not exist in isolation. They are intrinsically linked to other crucial fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005) and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (FS(E)R 2022). Information requested under Section 132 often pertains directly to compliance with these statutory instruments. For instance, details about fire risk assessments (RRO 2005 Article 9), remediation strategies informed by PAS 9980 guidance, or assessments against standards like BS 9991 or BS 9999, are all highly relevant. The Tribunal’s enforcement of S.132 effectively strengthens the overall fire safety regime by ensuring that the fundamental data required for compliance and assurance is made available to those with a vested interest: the leaseholders. Practical Implications for Accountable Persons and Responsible Persons For Accountable Persons (APs) under the BSA 2022 and Responsible Persons (RPs) under the RRO 2005, the implications of these Tribunal rulings are significant. There is an absolute imperative to establish robust information management systems capable of rapidly responding to Section 132 requests. This includes maintaining accessible records of building plans, specifications, fire risk assessments, facade surveys, and any remediation works. The days of ad hoc record keeping are truly over. Furthermore, APs and RPs must proactively understand the types of information leaseholders are entitled to and be prepared to provide it in a clear, concise, and timely manner, avoiding any suggestion of deliberate withholding. Non compliance is not merely a legal technicality; it undermines trust and can lead to severe penalties. What This Means for You: Action Points for Fire Professionals Fire engineers and safety professionals play a crucial role in advising APs and RPs on meeting their obligations, including tho