Are you ready for The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 that come into force on 6 April 2026?
New fire safety legislation affecting high-rise residential buildings is set to come into force on 6 April 2026. The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 introduce additional responsibilities for those who manage or control certain residential properties, placing a stronger emphasis on the active management of fire risk and the safety of residents who may require assistance during an emergency.
Under the new regulations, the person responsible for the building, often the owner, landlord or managing agent, must take steps to identify residents who might not be able to leave the building without help if a fire occurs. This duty requires what the legislation describes as “reasonable endeavours” to recognise individuals whose ability to evacuate independently may be affected by a physical or cognitive condition.
Where such residents are identified, they must be offered a person-centred fire risk assessment. If the resident agrees, the responsible person must then develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, often referred to as a PEEP. This written plan outlines the specific support that may be needed to help that individual evacuate safely in the event of a fire. Participation in this process remains voluntary for residents, meaning they cannot be compelled to take part if they choose not to.
The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 also require relevant information to be shared with the local Fire and Rescue Service where consent has been given. Providing this information can assist emergency responders if they are called to the building. In addition, a wider emergency evacuation plan must be prepared for the building as a whole, ensuring that procedures are clearly set out and accessible.
These requirements apply primarily to high-rise residential buildings. The regulations cover buildings containing two or more domestic premises that reach at least 18 metres in height or have seven or more storeys. They also apply to buildings over 11 metres where a simultaneous evacuation strategy is used.
The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 will become legally enforceable from April 2026, and responsible persons are expected to prepare in advance. This may involve identifying residents who may need assistance, arranging assessments and ensuring that evacuation information is available within the building’s Premises Information Box for attending fire crews.
With the deadline now imminent, if you haven’t already reviewed your current arrangements, you should do so now, to ensure that your building is ready to meet the new legal requirements.
Foley and Baugh are health & safety consultants serving clients across East Anglia.
Contact us today on 01493 659026 or email hello@foleyandbaugh.co.uk
