The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 introduce a new process called Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs). These apply to multi-occupied residential buildings in England that contain two or more domestic premises and are either 18 metres (or seven storeys) or higher, or over 11 metres in height where a simultaneous evacuation strategy is in place. They also place new legal duties on Responsible Persons, usually building owners, landlords or managers.
In preparation for the introduction of the new regulations, LFB worked closely with a range of internal teams and external stakeholders, including partners across housing, fire safety, and disability advocacy, to ensure systems, guidance, and operational processes were in place ahead of the go-live date.
Under the regulations, Responsible Persons are required to take reasonable steps to identify residents who may have difficulty evacuating without assistance because of a physical or cognitive impairment. They must offer those residents a personalised fire risk assessment and, where the resident wishes, agree an emergency evacuation statement. In addition, a building-wide emergency evacuation plan must be developed and maintained.
The introduction of RPEEPs is also expected to increase the number of personalised fire risk assessments carried out, alongside LFB’s existing Home Fire Safety Visits, helping to further support residents who may be at greater risk.
With a resident’s explicit consent, essential information, such as flat number, floor level, and a basic indication of the assistance required, will be shared with LFB. No detailed personal or medical information will be disclosed. LFB has now put in place the systems and processes needed to receive this information securely and use it to support operational response in the event of a fire.
LFB Deputy Commissioner, Spencer Sutcliff, said, “These changes are an important first step towards making sure everyone feels safe in their own home, especially those who might need extra support in an emergency. We have been working closely with partners to prepare for the introduction of these regulations and are continuing to work with government on implementation. We are highlighting areas we are keen to explore further, including broadening the scope to higher-risk properties, such as sheltered housing, and clarifying the role of Responsible Persons in determining whether mitigation measures are proportionate. It is also important we continue to develop our understanding of how RPEEPs are being implemented in practice, working with communities. The responsibility for putting these arrangements in place sits with the Responsible Persons, and we’re ready to receive the information they share so we can use it to help us respond as effectively as possible in the event of an emergency. If any resident thinks they may benefit from these new arrangements, we’d encourage them to speak to their building owner or managing agent.”
Participation by residents in the RPEEP process is voluntary, and they can withdraw consent at any time.
LFB encourages Responsible Persons to take a personalised approach, engage with residents, and keep evacuation arrangements under regular review to ensure they remain effective over time.
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