Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan

The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 were laid on 4 July 2025 and will come into effect on 6 April 2026.

The purpose of the regulations is to improve the fire safety and evacuation of residents in specified residential buildings in England who would have difficulties evacuating a building by themselves in the event of a fire. This may be due to a physical mobility issue, some other disability such as having a sight or hearing impairment, or cognitive condition.

For premises to which the regulations apply, the Responsible Person is required to implement the measures set out in the Residential PEEP process detailed below:

Identify residents who need Residential PEEPs
Complete a person-centred fire risk assessment
Where agreed between the responsible person and resident, produce an emergency evacuation statement of what the resident should do in the event of a fire
Provide information for the Fire and Rescue Authority to inform any operational response, and where agreed with resident(s), to share information where there is need to undertake evacuation
Continually review the person-centred fire risk assessment / emergency evacuation statement, and the building emergency evacuation plan

Who is affected by the new Regulations

In England, the responsible person of buildings that contain two or more sets of domestic premises, and which is either:

at least 18 metres above ground level or have at least seven storeys; or
is more than 11 metres in height above the ground level that has simultaneous evacuation strategies in place

And residents that reside in these premises, which is their only or principal residence; and their ability to evacuate the building without assistance in the event of a fire is compromised because of cognitive or physical impairment or condition.

Support for Responsible Persons

The Government has published guidance for Responsible Persons who are required to carry out Residential PEEPs in premises where regulations apply. This guidance explains the Responsible Person’s legal duties under the regulations, provides advice on how these duties can be met, and outlines key considerations, including the roles of residents and the Local Fire and Rescue Authority.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service encourages Responsible Persons to whom the regulations apply to ensure they can clearly demonstrate compliance with the new regulations.

Responsible Persons toolkit

Further resources are available to Responsible Persons in considering potential interventions and strategies to support the fire safety of vulnerable residents. The reponsible persons toolkit includes examples of real-life initiatives that Responsible Persons have successfully implemented in their buildings, which others may wish to adopt.

Support for Residents

If you meet the criteria outlined in the “Who is affected by the new Regulations” section, the Responsible Person should contact you to discuss completing a Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). You have the right to refuse if you wish, and you can request one for yourself.

If you consent, the Responsible Person will complete a person-centred fire risk assessment, taking account of any physical or mental conditions that affect your ability to evacuate independently in the event of a fire
The Responsible Person must discuss any relevant measures to be introduced to mitigate risks and support your safe evacuation
if you agree with proposed approach, it will be recorded in writing by the Responsible Person in an emergency evacuation statement, and you will be provided with a copy
your PEEP must be reviewed by the responsible person at least every 12 months, or sooner if your circumstances change, or if you request a review
with your agreement, relevant information will be shared with the fire and rescue authority to help support your evacuation and rescue in the event of a fire

The government has published further guidance for residents who may require a Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.