Compliance notices, stop notices, unlimited fines, and prison sentences. The BSR has teeth — and it's starting to use them. Every building owner and developer must understand these powers.. The Regulator With Real Teeth The Building Safety Regulator (BSR), housed within HSE, has enforcement powers that far exceed anything the old building control system possessed: During Design and Construction Gateway stop — refuse Gateway 2 or 3 applications, halting projects Compliance notices — require specific actions within specified timeframes Stop notices — halt ALL construction work immediately Prosecution — criminal proceedings for contraventions of building regulations During Occupation Improvement notices — require improvements to building safety Compliance notices — require Accountable Persons to take specific actions Special measures — appoint a special measures manager to take over building safety management Prosecution — criminal proceedings for failure to meet duties Penalties Fines: Unlimited for most offences Prison: Up to 2 years (summary) or unlimited (on indictment) Company liability: Directors personally liable in some circumstances What Triggers Enforcement? Common Triggers (Design/Construction) 1. Starting building work without Gateway 2 approval 2. Deviating from approved plans without change control 3. Using products that don't match the approved specification 4. Failing to notify the BSR of safety critical changes 5. Providing false or misleading information in Gateway submissions Common Triggers (Occupation) 1. Failing to register an occupied HRB 2. No safety case report prepared 3. Failure to report safety occurrences 4. Not maintaining the golden thread 5. Failing to engage with residents on building safety 6. Not appointing an Accountable Person Early Enforcement Actions (2024 2025) The BSR has already: Issued 23 compliance notices to building owners Served 4 stop notices on construction projects Initiated 12 prosecution cases Placed 2 buildings under special measures management Referred 3 cases to the police for potential fraud Magnus Opifex helps building owners and developers achieve and maintain BSR compliance. Contact us before enforcement finds you.