Approved Document Q: Security in dwellings
England-focused reference checklist
Editorial source review: 2026-10-17
https://saeedazarshab.com/articles/england-building-regulations/approved-document-q/

INDEPENDENT GUIDANCE — not project-specific legal/design advice or a compliance certificate. Check the official current requirements and applicable transition.

Part Q concerns resistance to unauthorised entry in new dwellings, including relevant common access serving flats. Door and window performance depends on the specified assembly, hardware and installation, not simply a marketing label. Security must be coordinated with access, escape and any opening used for ventilation or overheating mitigation.

WHAT TO CHECK
[ ] Confirm that the project and element fall within Q1’s scope.
[ ] Identify the required performance and supporting evidence for the actual assembly.
[ ] Check hardware, glazing, fixings and installation details against the accepted specification.
[ ] Coordinate security with fire escape, access and ventilation requirements.
[ ] Record the installed product and any authorised substitutions.

RECORDS TO KEEP
- Door/window specification and applicable performance evidence
- Installation details and inspections
- Accepted substitutions and handover information

WHEN TO GET SPECIALIST HELP
Ask the responsible designer about conflicting security, access or escape requirements and proposed product substitutions.

SCOPE AND EDITION
Landing published 5 March 2015; updated 22 November 2024 to add official FAQs. Q1 applies to new dwellings. Do not apply Q1 indiscriminately to every existing dwelling. Check tested doors/windows as installed assemblies, including hardware.

OFFICIAL SOURCES
GOV.UK — Approved Document Q
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/security-in-dwellings-approved-document-q

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated. Original practical summary by Saeed Azarshab.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/