Property sector turns attention to getting ready for Martyn's Law

Estates Gazette, a publication that covers the property and real estate sector, has run a piece on preparing for Martyn's Law. It reflects a wider trend: landlords, managers and operators are beginning to look ahead to what the new rules will mean for the buildings and spaces they run. The law received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but its duties have not yet started.

If you run a pub, church, hall, cinema or event space, the key numbers to know are the tiers. The standard tier covers premises where 200 to 799 people might reasonably be expected at the same time. The enhanced tier covers 800 or more. These counts include staff, not just the public. Knowing roughly how many people your space holds is the first step in understanding which tier, if any, may apply to you.

The duties are expected to come into force in spring 2027, and the exact date has not yet been confirmed. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, but its notification process is not live yet. Nothing is enforceable today, so there is no deadline pressure right now.

Use this time to familiarise yourself with the basics and estimate your likely capacity. Note who in your organisation might take the lead on preparation. There is no need to rush or buy anything yet. Treat the coming months as a chance to get ready calmly, ahead of clearer guidance from the regulator.