Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPS)

New safety rules introduced around Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs)

New fire safety regulations are being introduced in England to help improve the safety of residents who may need support to evacuate their high rise building in the event of a fire. These changes introduce a new process called Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs). 

The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 come into effect on 6 April 2026 and introduce a new, structured approach that strengthens how building owners identify and support residents who could face challenges evacuating during a fire (Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans). 

Under the regulations, Responsible Persons (usually the building owner, landlord or managing agent) must use reasonable endeavours to: 

• Identify residents who may struggle to evacuate without help 
• Offer a person-centred fire risk assessment 
• Work with the resident, if they wish, to agree an emergency evacuation statement 
• Create and maintain a building-wide evacuation plan

With the resident’s consent, building owners will share limited information — flat number, floor level and basic assistance needed — with the fire and rescue service. No medical or personal data will be shared. 

Key points for residents

• Taking part in the process is completely voluntary 
• Consent can be withdrawn at anytime 
• Fire and rescue services do not carry out assessments — this is the building owner’s responsibility 

Why are these changes being introduced? 

After the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Government committed to improving evacuation arrangements for people whose ability to evacuate without assistance may be affected. The aim of the new rules is to identify these residents so they can be supported in a practical way. 

Which buildings do the new regulations apply to?

These rules apply to residential buildings in England that are 18 metres or 7 storeys or higher, or over 11 metres where a simultaneous evacuation strategy is already in place. A simultaneous evacuation strategy means everyone should leave the building if there is a fire, even if they are not directly affected.  

Who is a “relevant resident”?

A relevant resident is someone who lives in the building and has a physical or cognitive impairment that means they may be unable to leave the building without help during a fire. 

Examples include: 

• reduced mobility 
• hearing or sight impairments 
• long-term health conditions 
• cognitive conditions affecting awareness or decision making 

Further information can be found in the Government’s guidance for Responsible Persons.