The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into force on 23 January 2023, introducing a series of new legal duties for building owners and managers, especially those responsible for high-rise and multi-occupied residential buildings.
These regulations build on the Fire Safety Order 2005 and were brought in as part of the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
They aim to strengthen fire safety in residential buildings, improve communication with residents, and ensure vital fire safety information is available to fire and rescue services.
If you’re a landlord, property manager, or responsible person for a block of flats or a building with communal areas, this is something you need to understand and act on.
Why Were the Regulations Introduced?
The regulations were a direct result of recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 Report.
That report highlighted serious issues with fire safety information, communication, evacuation planning, and the management of fire doors in multi-occupied buildings.
The new law is about ensuring people living in these buildings are safer and better informed, and that emergency services have the information they need to respond effectively.
Who Do the Regulations Apply To?
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 apply to all multi-occupied residential buildings, but certain duties depend on the building’s height and layout.
The law sets different requirements for:
- Buildings over 11 metres in height (around 4+ storeys)
- High-rise residential buildings over 18 metres (usually 7+ storeys or with 7+ floors)
- All residential buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises and communal areas
So whether you’re managing a small block of flats, a converted house, or a high-rise tower, there’s likely something in the regulations that affects you.
What Do the Regulations Require?
The regulations place specific duties on the responsible person for fire safety in residential buildings. Here’s a summary of what’s required based on building type:
For all multi-occupied residential buildings (with communal areas)
- Fire safety instructions must be provided to all residents, explaining how to report a fire and what to do if one breaks out.
- Fire door information must be shared with residents, advising them not to tamper with doors and to keep them closed.
For buildings over 11 metres
- Regular fire door checks are required on all communal doors every 3 months.
- Flat entrance doors must be checked at least once a year to ensure they are self-closing and in good condition.
For buildings over 18 metres (or 7+ storeys)
These buildings have additional requirements, including:
- Wayfinding signage in stairwells and corridors to assist firefighters in navigating the building
- A secure information box containing contact details for the responsible person and key safety information
- Building plans and floor layouts provided to the local fire service
- A record of the design and maintenance of the building’s fire-fighting equipment
- Monthly checks on lifts and fire-fighting equipment (like wet risers), with any defects reported and fixed promptly
Is This Separate from the Fire Safety Order?
Yes and no. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 are separate legal duties, but they work alongside the Fire Safety Order 2005. Together, they form the foundation of modern fire safety compliance in England.
Your fire risk assessment under the Fire Safety Order should now take into account the additional requirements introduced by the 2022 regulations—especially if your building is 11m or higher.
What If You Don’t Comply?
These are legal requirements, not optional best practices.
Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, including fines, legal notices, and even prosecution in serious cases.
But just as importantly, non-compliance puts your residents—and your reputation—at serious risk.
How ESI Can Help
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we work with landlords, agents, and block managers to stay on top of fire safety regulations, including the 2022 rules.
We help ensure your fire risk assessment covers the right areas, provide scheduled fire door checks, and install signage and equipment to meet compliance.
We cover residential blocks across Farnborough, Camberley, Guildford, Reading, and throughout Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.
If you’re unsure whether the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 apply to your property—or need help getting compliant—get in touch. We’re here to help make it clear, simple, and cost-effective.
