When to use this guide
- Designing ventilation for a dwelling or another building type
- Replacing windows, altering layouts or carrying out energy improvements affecting air flow
- Checking extract systems, commissioning or information for occupants
What to check
Use these prompts with the responsible project team. Ticking a box does not certify compliance.
You can tick these prompts while reviewing the project.
Keep these records
- Ventilation design, layout and equipment schedule
- Commissioning results and installation checks
- Occupant instructions and maintenance information
Common mistakes
- Treating a newly published future standard as already compulsory for every project.
- Improving airtightness without considering how the building will receive adequate ventilation.
When to get specialist help
Ask a competent ventilation designer about changes to the strategy or uncertain performance. Persistent air-quality or condensation problems need investigation, not a blanket instruction to close or open vents.
Scope and edition
2021 guidance remains linked on the main landing page. A separate 2026 Volume 1 was published 24 March 2026 and corrected 8 September 2026. The 2026 standards have future commencement and transition: generally 24 March 2027, with relevant HRB provisions 24 September 2027; check Circular 01/2026 and project facts. Do not label the 2026 standard mandatory for all work in October 2026. Coordinate ventilation with energy, overheating, noise and commissioning evidence.
Ventilation and indoor air quality; separate guidance for dwellings and buildings other than dwellings.
Use the official source to check the current text, amendments not yet incorporated, commencement and project-specific transition. A published future edition is not automatically the rule applying to your work.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Approved Document FOfficial England guidance; check the applicable volume, edition and transition.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-approved-document-f
- Approved Document F (2026)https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/approved-document-f-2026
- Future Homes and Buildings Standards: Building Circular 01/2026 letterhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-building-circular-012026/the-future-homes-and-buildings-standards-building-circular-012026-letter
- Official Approved Document F FAQshttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/approved-document-f-volume-1-dwellings-frequently-asked-questions
Source links lead to external official websites. We provide original explanatory notes and do not reproduce paid standards.
About this library
Independent, plain-English reference notes by Saeed Azarshab. The library covers the 42 subjects listed here; it is not every law affecting construction, an official government publication or a project-specific compliance decision. Building Regulations, Approved Documents, workplace safety duties and planning permissions have different roles.
Editorial source review: . Check the current official text, commencement dates, outstanding amendments and transitional arrangements before relying on a requirement. Publication date is not necessarily the date a rule applies. A relevant competent professional or authority must resolve project-specific questions.
Sources and lawful reuse
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated. These are original practical summaries, with links to the official material. No government endorsement is implied. We do not host copies of proprietary BS, ISO or Eurocode standards, third-party diagrams or publisher layouts. Check each source’s rights notice before reuse.
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