In recent years, the term Waking Watch has become all too familiar to leaseholders, residents and building managers across the UK. Put simply, a Waking Watch involves trained personnel patrolling residential buildings day and night to detect fires and ensure evacuation if needed.
While intended as a temporary safety measure, many residents have found themselves paying for waking watch services for years, leading to spiralling costs and growing frustration. Now, with the government extending the Waking Watch Replacement Fund, new rules are shaping how these services are managed and who should pay for them.
Why Waking Watch Costs Have Become a Flashpoint
Take a recent case in Birmingham: more than 200 residents are living in a block where the building owner has refused to invest in new alarm systems until the fire service insists on it. In the meantime, the cost of Waking Watch is falling heavily on residents and building management, leaving many asking how long this can continue.
The Birmingham case is not unique. Across the country, leaseholders have seen thousands of pounds added to their bills for services that were only ever meant to be temporary.
Government Response: Replacement Fund Extended
To help ease the financial burden, the government has extended the Waking Watch Replacement Fund until March 2026, with an additional £21 million added. The fund is designed to support residential buildings in England with the cost of installing common fire alarm systems, a long-term solution that can remove the need for costly waking watch patrols.
The funding can also be applied retrospectively, but only where alarm installation work began on or after 25 May 2023. Eligible systems must usually meet BS 5839-1 standards, typically Category L5, in line with National Fire Chiefs Council guidance.
Common Questions About Waking Watch
Is Waking Watch a legal requirement?
Not in every building. A Waking Watch becomes necessary when a fire risk assessment identifies serious safety defects such as unsafe cladding or inadequate fire alarms, and the evacuation strategy shifts from “Stay Put” to “Simultaneous Evacuation.” In those circumstances, a Waking Watch is considered a required interim measure under fire safety laws.
Who is eligible for the Waking Watch Replacement Fund?
The fund is open to residential buildings in England that already have a Waking Watch in place. Buildings must install a compliant alarm system to qualify, and only projects started after 25 May 2023 are eligible for retrospective funding.
Do leaseholders have to pay for Waking Watch?
Leaseholder protections introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022 mean that qualifying leaseholders cannot be charged for cladding-related costs. Other safety measures, including waking watch, may still be passed on in some cases but there are now caps and restrictions. Much depends on the building’s ownership, management structure, and whether it falls under government support schemes.
What is Waking Watch in the Building Safety Act?
The Building Safety Act recognises Waking Watch as an interim remediation measure. It is intended only as a temporary response while long-term fire safety solutions such as alarm systems or cladding replacement are put in place.
What This Means for Residents and Building Owners
The new rules make one thing clear: Waking Watch should not be a long-term solution. Building owners and responsible persons have a legal duty to manage fire risks proactively, and government funding is now available to help them do so.
For residents, this means pressing for clarity:
- Is your building eligible for the Replacement Fund?
- Has your building owner applied for it?
- Are interim costs being fairly shared in line with leaseholder protections?
How 3000 Security Can Help
At 3000 Security, we provide professional Waking Watch services to protect residents where risks are identified, but we also work closely with building owners and managers to transition towards long-term solutions. Our services include:
- 24/7 waking watch patrols by trained, vigilant staff
- Fire risk assessments and consultancy
- Guidance on meeting compliance under the Building Safety Act
- Support with transitioning to permanent alarm systems
Final Word
The debate around Waking Watch highlights the difficult balance between safety, cost, and responsibility. While the Birmingham case shows the frustration many residents feel, the extended Replacement Fund offers a pathway towards safer and more sustainable solutions.
If you manage or live in a building affected by Waking Watch, now is the time to seek expert advice, explore funding options, and plan for a long-term resolution.
Contact 3000 Security today to discuss waking watch services, fire safety support, and how we can help you move towards compliance with confidence.