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    "to attach the top plate to the brick wall" that's what appears to me too. The fastening schedule of two screws seems quite light to be hurricane grade. Maybe the builders forgot anchors or brackets and retrofitted these straps. Also, I doubt it has any shelving purpose. Commented Jan 31, 2022 at 15:17
  • 3
    Can't vouch for UK building practices, @codecowboy, but I'd agree with P2000's assessment that just 2 screws per strap indicate that it's simply to hold the top plate down and not designed for high wind resistance. Also, no, they're not for hanging shelving. As it's a rental, check with the landlord before attaching anything to the building. Some tend to get grumpy about that... Commented Jan 31, 2022 at 15:20
  • 5
    I'd go with not hurricane country because those two pathetic screws they're attached with won't hold the roof down when a category 5 comes ripping through... if it is hurricane country then OP would do well to fasten them to the wall correctly. They don't make all those holes in them for nothing, after all. Commented Jan 31, 2022 at 23:49
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    There's also the possibility that they are part of a design that isn't actually needed where you are. Our house has some earthquake engineering in the walls that isn't required here--the plans were originally used in earthquake country and a bit of extra bracing per house was cheaper than redoing the plans. Commented Feb 1, 2022 at 3:53
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    I figured it was UK from the wiring. A couple of other details stand out: the straps were fitted before the wiring so are unlikely to be shelf supports, and a previous occupant has already drilled and plugged for shelves or a cabinet. Oh, and some of those screws are far too close to the edge of a brick for decent strength. Commented Feb 1, 2022 at 15:41