The External Wall System Form (EWS1 Form) looks at how fire-safe homes are, focussing on the external walls and how easily a fire could spread. The form has to be completed by a specially qualified surveyor and is only needed for blocks with flats that are:
You don’t need an EWS1 form under the law. However, if you're looking for a mortgage, then the lender you go to may ask you for one.
It is becoming more common for mortgage lenders to check fire safety when assessing homes in apartment buildings. Their focus is the external walls and balconies and what they are made of, along with any other significant fire safety concerns.
If the mortgage lender’s valuer or surveyor has concerns, then they will as you for an External Wall System Form (EWS1 Form) for the mortgage application to continue.
To request an EWS1 form or Fire Risk Assessment, you can email us at postsales@moat.co.uk We’ll acknowledge any requests for an EWS1 form within five working days and give a full response within 15 working days. Not all buildings require an EWS1 form; some lenders simply ask for a copy of the most recent Fire Risk Assessment, that we can provide upon request.
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In some cases where fire safety remedial works are required and are yet to be completed, an EWS1 form may not be available for a building. Lenders may also not approve an application to sell, remortgage or staircase (purchase more shares in your property).
We understand that this can be upsetting and frustrating, and we apologise to any customers affected by this issue. We’re working hard to carry out remedial work in the buildings we own and monitor progress of remedial works in the buildings we don’t own. As a short-term solution, if you are a shared owner and we own the block, you can sub-let your home. See below for more information on how you can do this.
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To sub-let your home, you’ll need a formal variation to your lease via a Licence. You will only be able to sub-let your home whilst works are ongoing and the home is not mortgageable. Please contact our Post Sales Services Team by email at postsales@moat.co.uk for further information.
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We’ll acknowledge any requests for an EWS1 form within five working days and give a full response within 15 working days. Not all buildings require an EWS1 form; some lenders simply ask for a copy of the most recent Fire Risk Assessment, that we can provide upon request. To request an EWS1 form or Fire Risk Assessment, please email us at postsales@moat.co.uk.
We’ll supply you with an EWS1 form on request if we have one on file, but we may not hold an EWS1 form for your building because:
