New Fire Safety regulations coming – Residential Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs)

New national fire safety regulations come into force on 6 April 2026 in England, designed to improve evacuation arrangements for residents who may need support to leave their building in the event of a fire.  

This includes identifying residents who may struggle to self-evacuate due to mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments and developing a person-centred evacuation plan. 

Who does this apply to?  

• The new requirements apply to buildings that are 18 metres or more in height, or seven or more storeys.  
• Buildings that are more than 11 metres in height and operate a simultaneous evacuation strategy.  

Who is responsible?  
The law places duties on Responsible Persons, such as: 

• Building owners 
• Managing agents 
• Housing providers 
• Landlords responsible for common areas

Access for firefighters:

With the resident’s explicit consent, the Responsible Persons will share a small amount of essential information with the local fire and rescue service, including their flat number, floor number and a basic indication of the assistance they may need. No medical or personal information will be shared.  

Participation in the RPEEP process is voluntary and residents can withdraw consent at any time.  

Residents:  

If you live in a high-rise residential building and believe you may need assistance to evacuate during a fire, you should speak to the Responsible Persons. If you are unsure, take a look at our website for more information: https://humbersidefire.gov.uk/your-safety/business-safety/residential-personal-emergency-evacuation-plans-rpeeps

These changes aim to make sure everyone can evacuate safely and that firefighters have the information they need to help those most at risk.

Further information:

Fire and rescue services are not responsible for conducting assessments, creating evacuation statements, or deciding on mitigation measures - these remain the responsibility of the Responsible Persons. Further details can be found on Humberside Fire and Rescue Service website: https://humbersidefire.gov.uk/your-safety/business-safety/residential-personal-emergency-evacuation-plans-rpeeps