Recently, some homeowners across the UK have had lenders rejecting EWS1 forms completed by one contractor, Tri Fire, due to the actions of one of their employees.
Tri Fire have carried out a large number of EWS1s for lots of building owners over the past five years, including us.
We have completed a review and identified that a small number of our blocks have EWS1 certificates issued by this company, and some of our homes with a superior landlord (building owner) also do too.
What’s happened
Last year, Adam Kiziak, a company director at Tri Fire was subject to an investigation by the Institution of Fire Engineers, and in August 2024 it was agreed that he should receive a six-month membership suspension.
On 21 January 2025, The Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) extended the suspension of Mr Kiziak, a company director at Tri Fire, while they investigate further undisclosed allegations.
A summary of the IFE’s sanction of Mr Kiziak can be found on their website – IFE Summary of case – Adam Kiziak – Update 21.01.25.pdf.
What we are doing now
We have put in place arrangements to begin replacing the EWS1 certificates for affected blocks, which begins in April. Fire engineers are under excessive demand, and this is the earliest we can begin this programme.
There are no immediate safety concerns for any homes in these blocks, but we understand that this may be a concerning time for homeowners.
We are also writing to, and requesting plans to replace EWS1 certificates, for blocks where we are not the building owner, but we have residents.
If you are in the process of selling your home or remortgaging, please contact us as early as possible, so that we can support you through the process, and minimise the impact on your transaction if at all possible.
We will write to all affected homeowners by the end of this month with more information.
Who to contact if you have questions
We understand that this update will be frustrating to homeowners who are planning to sell, staircase or remortgage. We will do all we can to help. If you have concerns or questions – please get in touch with us by emailing compliance@wandle.com.