Residential PEEPs: Guidance for Responsible Persons

The Ministry of housing, Communities and Local Government has now published its full guidance on the new Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs). The regulations come into force on 6 April 2026.

The new regulations aim to improve the fire safety and evacuation of residents of specified residential buildings in England who would have difficulties evacuating the residential 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 a cognitive condition.

The RPEEPs regulations apply to:

• All buildings in England that are high-rise residential buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises (‘multi-residential’) that are at least 18 metres above ground level or have at least seven storeys.
• All multi-residential buildings more than 11m that have simultaneous evacuation strategies in place.

The regulations include a set of measures which include:

• Identifying relevant residents whose ability to evacuate without assistance in the event of a fire is compromised because of their impairment or condition.
• A person-centred fire risk assessment to understand their particular risks and identify how their fire safety and evacuation can be enhanced.
• An emergency evacuation statement setting out what the resident should do in the event of a fire.
• Information for the Fire and Rescue Authority on the location and indicative level of assistance needed by residents who have engaged with the Residential PEEPs process.
• An ongoing cycle of review.

Responsible Persons toolkit

MHCLG have put together a guide explaining the Responsible Person’s legal responsibilities under the new regulations and best practice examples. The guide is available to all register providers, even if your building falls outside of the scope of the Residential PEEPs proposals.