Who this applies to
The regulations apply to the responsible person for multi-occupied residential buildings in England, typically the freeholder, landlord or managing agent acting for them. The duties increase with building height.
All multi-occupied residential buildings
The responsible person must give residents relevant fire safety instructions and information about the importance of fire doors.
Buildings over 11 metres
- Quarterly checks of all fire doors in communal areas
- Best endeavours to check flat entrance doors annually
High-rise buildings: 18 metres or seven storeys and above
- Share information on the external wall system and floor plans with the fire and rescue service electronically
- Keep hard copies of floor plans and a single page orientation plan in a secure information box accessible to firefighters
- Install wayfinding signage visible in low light
- Check lifts used by firefighters at least monthly
- Tell the fire and rescue service if a firefighting lift or key equipment is out of order for more than 24 hours
Making it manageable
The practical challenge is not understanding the duties, it is keeping them on schedule and evidenced year after year. A compliance register, booked inspections, photos and certificates kept in one place, and remedial work tracked to completion is what stands up if anything is ever questioned.
How Apex helps
We run fire safety and compliance for residential buildings across Liverpool, Manchester, Greater Manchester and Cheshire, including fire door inspections, emergency lighting, alarm servicing and the remedial works that follow. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check your building's specific duties with a qualified fire safety professional.