The Building Safety Levy is a government charge on new residential developments in England. It helps pay to fix safety issues in existing buildings. It applies to applications made on or after 1 October 2026.

When the levy applies

The levy may apply to building work that creates:

• one or more new homes
• bedspaces in purpose-built student accommodation

Exemptions

The following developments will not have to pay:

• housing built by non-profit registered providers and wholly owned by subsidies
• small developments with fewer than ten homes
• affordable housing
• supported housing

How the charge is calculated

The levy is based on the total square meters of residential floor space being built. Rates vary depending on the local authority area and whether the development is on previously developed land. Buildings on previously developed land will get a 50% discount.

Rates are published in the government Building Safety Levy rates table.

What developers must do

You must include levy information with your building control application. If you do not, your application will be rejected.

You must pay the levy before the building is completed or lived in. If it is not paid on time, completion certificates will be withheld.

Disputes and appeals

If you disagree with the levy amount or a refund decision, you can ask for a review within 28 days.

If you still disagree with our decision, you can appeal to the First Tier Tribunal.

Forms

If you are applying for building control through us, you should complete the levy information on our building control form. If you are using an improved inspector or building regulator, you can complete the paper form instead.

Once work has started, you must complete the commencement stage paper form.

Please send completed forms to BSL@maidstone.gov.uk.

Further guidance

You can read the regulations on the regulations website.

For Building Levy Guidance, methodology, and the levy rates table, visit the government webpage.