Security Requirements for New Dwellings

What This Requirement Covers

Approved Document Q (Security in Dwellings) came into force on 1 October 2015 and requires that reasonable provision is made to resist unauthorised access to new dwellings. The requirements apply to all new-build houses and flats, and to dwellings created through a change of use.

Key Requirements

Doors

1. All entrance doors (including doors to individual flats from common parts) must be manufactured to a design that has been tested to PAS 24:2022 (or an equivalent standard)
2. PAS 24 tests the door's resistance to:

- Manual attack with common burglary tools - Cylinder manipulation and lock snapping - Letter plate fishing (where a letter plate is fitted)

1. The door must be fitted with a multipoint locking system or mortice lock achieving the security requirements
2. Door chains, viewers, and limiters are recommended but not mandatory under Part Q

Windows

1. All ground-floor windows and any window that is accessible (i.e., within reach from a flat roof, balcony, or other accessible surface) must be manufactured to PAS 24:2022 or equivalent
2. This includes windows that can be reached from an adjacent flat roof or boundary wall
3. Upper-floor windows that are not accessible do not need to meet PAS 24

Garage Doors

1. Where an integral garage has a connecting door to the dwelling, either the garage vehicle door or the connecting door must meet PAS 24
2. If the vehicle door meets PAS 24, the connecting door needs only to meet Part B (fire) requirements

Competent Person Scheme

1. Installation of doors and windows through the FENSA or CERTASS competent person scheme includes self-certification of Part Q compliance
2. The installer must verify that the products supplied meet PAS 24 and retain certification evidence

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Specify PAS 24 windows and doors in the project specification from the outset; retrofitting security-rated products is more expensive
2. Obtain and retain PAS 24 test certificates for all doors and windows; Building Control will require these for sign-off
3. Check that letter plates, cat flaps, and other door furniture do not compromise the security of the door
4. For blocks of flats, the communal entrance door and each flat entrance door must both meet PAS 24
5. Ground-floor windows in all positions (front, side, and rear) require PAS 24
6. Consider the accessibility of upper windows; a window above a flat-roof extension or an adjacent low wall may be classed as accessible
7. Security glazing (laminated glass) provides additional resistance to forced entry and is recommended even where not mandatory