Leaseholders Face Fresh Uncertainty

In August 2024, the IFE suspended Kiziak for six months due to breaches of its code of conduct, including failing to hold adequate professional indemnity insurance and not maintaining professional competence. The suspension has since been extended in response to additional complaints under investigation.

Government audits commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) later revealed that some of Kiziak’s fire assessments had been overturned due to concerns over their accuracy. A spokesperson from MHCLG reassured that robust auditing measures are in place to uphold fire safety assessment standards and rectify any identified deficiencies.

Lenders and Housing Associations React

In response to the suspension, mortgage lender Nationwide has temporarily halted lending on properties that were assessed by Kiziak and his firm, Tri Fire. Nationwide emphasized the importance of building owners securing valid EWS1 reports from properly qualified professionals before transactions can proceed.

London-based housing association Notting Hill Genesis also announced it would no longer work with Tri Fire. It cited concerns over the firm’s peer review process and pledged to commission new EWS1 forms from alternative fire engineering consultants. The association acknowledged that waiting times for new assessments—already stretching between 8 to 10 weeks—could now increase further due to industry-wide demand for qualified fire engineers.

Impact on Leaseholders and Remediation Efforts

The suspension has added another layer of uncertainty for leaseholders who rely on EWS1 forms to sell, remortgage, or secure insurance for their homes. With lenders rejecting reports signed off by Kiziak, many affected leaseholders are left in financial limbo while awaiting new assessments.

Compounding the issue, Homes England has now suspended Tri Fire from its approved panel of fire risk assessors for the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS). A Freedom of Information request revealed that over 60 FRAEWs had been carried out by Tri Fire before its suspension, prompting an urgent review of its reports. A statement on the applicant portal confirmed that while existing reports would still be accepted, they would be subjected to additional checks for assurance.

Legal experts warn that any inaccuracies in FRAEW reports could jeopardize CSS applications, which determine eligibility for government funding to address unsafe cladding. Michael Wharfe, partner at Devonshires law firm, stressed that any doubts over these assessments must be resolved before remediation works proceed, as funding is tied to the scope of work outlined in FRAEW reports. He added that due to the lack of precise details in the IFE’s findings, all documents authored by Kiziak should undergo independent peer review.

Call for Greater Oversight and Industry Reform

The IFE has acknowledged the widespread concern but maintained that it must follow strict confidentiality protocols while investigations are ongoing. However, the organization has engaged with UK Finance to address the impact of its member sanctions on mortgage lending decisions.

Phenna Group, which acquired Tri Fire in July 2024, announced in November that it had returned the firm to its original shareholders, raising further questions about its operational stability.

Meanwhile, Labour MP Mike Amesbury has pressed the government for audits of post-remediation qualifying assessments conducted by Tri Fire under the developer remediation contract scheme. Building safety minister Alex Norris confirmed that audits have begun and that results will be published in the coming months. If any assessments are found to be substandard, developers will be required to address the issues.

A lawyer representing Tri Fire stated that the firm regrets the distress caused and is actively working on alternative options for peer review to address concerns. Meanwhile, leaseholders and property managers remain caught in the fallout, with many buildings now requiring reassessment before sales, remortgaging, or government-backed remediation can proceed.

The latest developments highlight the urgent need for improved oversight in fire safety assessments and the broader leasehold property sector. As leaseholders await further clarity, industry professionals and policymakers must work together to restore confidence in the cladding remediation process and protect those living in affected buildings.