IMAF – What It Is, Who Qualifies and How to Apply
The Interim Measures Alarm Fund (IMAF) is a £62.7 million UK government funding scheme launched on 1 April 2026. The fund is designed to support the installation of temporary (“interim”) fire alarm systems in residential buildings and student accommodation with identified fire safety risks.
Managed by Homes England, the scheme replaces and builds on the Waking Watch Replacement Fund, providing longer-term financial support for building owners and managing agents while remediation works are carried out.
The IMAF enables eligible applicants to:
- Install common fire alarm systems* in buildings awaiting remediation work
- Upgrade existing systems
- Replace costly waking watch arrangements and offer greater reliability
- Promote compliance with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance on simultaneous evacuation.
* Common fire alarm systems (that meet BS 5839-1 Category L5 standards) are centrally managed detection and notification solutions designed to alert all occupants within a building in the event of a fire. Unlike individual alarms installed within flats, these systems are typically positioned in shared areas such as corridors, stairwells, and plant rooms, with the ability to deliver alerts across the entire building when needed, this ensures that protection is focused on where it is most critical and supports safe evacuation.
A key condition of accessing funding is that installations must be delivered by an approved contractor from the IMAF panel.
Why was the IMAF Introduced?
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, many buildings with unsafe cladding or fire safety defects have relied on “waking watch” measures, where trained personnel patrol buildings to detect fire risks.
While effective in the short term, waking watch systems are:
- Expensive for leaseholders
- Labour-intensive
- Unsustainable as a long-term solution.
The IMAF has been introduced to provide a safer and more cost-effective alternative through the installation of automatic fire alarm systems.
It also supports the government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP), which aims to speed up the identification and repair of unsafe buildings, while ensuring residents remain safe during remediation works.
Who is Eligible for the IMAF?
The IMAF is available to:
- Building owners and freeholders
- Managing agents acting on behalf of building owners.
Leaseholders and residents are not eligible to apply directly and must go through the Responsible Person or Responsible Entities of the building or authorised representative acting on their behalf.
To qualify, buildings must:
- Be located in England
- Be used as residential accommodation or student housing
- Certain building types, such as hotels, are not eligible under the scheme
- Have identified fire safety risks, such as unsafe cladding or fire defects
- Generally rely on interim fire safety measures, such as waking watch or simultaneous evacuation strategies supported by fire and rescue service intervention
- Be awaiting longer-term remediation works.
Applicants must provide clear justification for the installation of a fire alarm system. This is typically evidenced through documents such as:
- Fire Risk Assessments (FRA)
- Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEW)
How to apply for the IMAF
You need to have confirmed eligibility and prepared necessary information before applying.
1. Submit an Online Application
Applications must be completed through the official Homes England portal. The process typically takes around 30 minutes and must be completed in one session.
2. Provide Supporting Evidence
Applicants must submit documentation that demonstrates the need for an interim fire alarm system, including fire risk assessments and supporting reports.
3. Application Review
Homes England will assess the application, confirm eligibility and carry out due diligence on the building and supporting information.
4. Appoint an IMAF-Approved Contractor
Once the application is confirmed, applicants must select a contractor from the official IMAF-approved supply panel who can quote and undertake the work.
Surrey Fire & Safety have just become one of these approved suppliers, so we would be happy to help you. We will need to have the documentation and building access to build a quote for you, and as part of the quote, we will:
- Assess the building
- Design a compliant fire alarm system
- Provide a detailed quotation.
5. Approval and Installation
You need to submit the quote and scope of work to Homes England. Once approved the Grant Funding Agreement (GFA) is issued. This is a contract between Homes England and the Responsible Entity. A representative is appointed to lead the application and, in some cases, look after the funding, but it must also be signed by the Responsible Entity.
Next Steps
Once the GFA is completed, you can contact the alarm supplier. The funding payment is given on completion of works with the accompanying evidence, including a commissioning certificate given to you by the fire alarm supplier and other important accompanying information.
You can find out more about how the whole application process works by visiting – Guidance – Interim Measures Alarm Fund (IMAF) application guidance
Interim Measures Alarm Fund – Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the IMAF?
Building owners, Responsible Persons, and managing agents acting on their behalf can apply for funding.
Can leaseholders apply?
No, leaseholders must go through the building owner or managing agent.
Do I have to use an approved contractor?
Yes, all installations must be carried out by an IMAF-approved contractor to qualify for funding.
Does the IMAF cover waking watch costs?
No, the fund covers the installation of fire alarm systems, not the cost of waking watch services.
How long does the application process take?
The initial application takes around 30 minutes, followed by assessment, contractor selection and installation.
Why choose Surrey Fire & Safety for your IMAF funding?
Our selection as an approved supplier reflects our proven ability to deliver compliant, high-quality fire alarm systems in complex residential environments. We bring extensive experience in the design, installation, and commissioning of Category L5 systems in line with current British Standards, supported by robust third-party accreditations (e.g. BAFE, FIA, ISO 9001) and quality assurance processes.
With a strong track record of delivering projects efficiently and at scale, we are well-equipped to meet the demands of the IMAF programme. Our approach combines technical expertise, rigorous compliance, and a focus on value for money—ensuring installations are delivered safely, quickly, and to the highest standard.
Get in contact with us for a free IMAF Eligibility Review, or email: IMAF@homesengland.gov.uk.
Get Expert Support with Your IMAF Application from Surrey Fire & Safety
As an IMAF-approved contractor, Surrey Fire & Safety provides compliant fire alarm installation services across Surrey, London and the wider South East. We offer the installation of both conventional and wireless fire alarm systems.
With a limited number of IMAF-approved contractors available, if you are managing a residential building and want to understand whether you qualify for IMAF funding, Surrey Fire & Safety can help.
We offer building owners and managing agents a reliable and experienced partner when accessing funding and implementing compliant fire alarm systems with expert guidance throughout the process, including:
We support building owners and managing agents with:
- IMAF eligibility assessments and whether your building is likely to qualify
- Fire alarm system design and practical steps forward
- Provide a no-obligation quotation for the work
- Full installation and certification.
Our team regularly works across locations such as Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and all over London and the surrounding counties, helping clients meet funding requirements and improve fire safety standards.
We are a trusted, BAFE-accredited fire protection company with extensive experience delivering compliant fire alarm systems across residential and commercial environments.
Please get in touch with our customer services team today to discuss your requirements.