Your Responsibilities Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
If you’re a landlord or managing agent of a residential building in England, you have a legal duty to ensure your tenants are aware of fire safety arrangements in their building. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which came into effect on 23 January 2023, introduced new requirements to improve fire safety communication between landlords and residents—particularly in multi-occupied buildings.
This blog explains exactly what information landlords must provide, who it applies to, and how to remain compliant.
Why These Regulations Were Introduced
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations were introduced in response to recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. One of the key concerns identified was that residents were not adequately informed about fire safety features, evacuation procedures, or what to do in the event of a fire.
These new duties are designed to ensure that residents can act appropriately during a fire and understand the safety systems in place within their building.
Who Do the Regulations Apply To?
The regulations apply to:
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All buildings in England with two or more domestic premises (i.e. flats or apartments), and where common parts exist, such as stairwells or corridors.
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Additional responsibilities apply to high-rise residential buildings (over 18 metres or 7 storeys).
The person responsible for fire safety—often the building owner, freeholder, landlord, or managing agent—must ensure these duties are fulfilled.
What Must Landlords Tell Tenants?
Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, landlords must provide specific fire safety information to residents, particularly in blocks of flats.
1. Fire Safety Instructions
You must provide clear, written instructions to tenants that include:
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How to report a fire
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What to do if a fire occurs in their flat
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What to do if a fire occurs elsewhere in the building
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Evacuation strategy for the building (e.g. stay put or simultaneous evacuation)
These instructions must be:
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Displayed in a visible location in the building’s communal area (e.g. entrance lobby or noticeboard)
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Given to all existing residents
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Provided to all new tenants as they move in
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Re-issued every 12 months
2. Fire Door Information
You must provide residents with information on the importance of fire doors, including:
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Why they must not tamper with or prop open fire doors
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The role of fire doors in slowing the spread of fire and smoke
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How fire doors help protect escape routes
This information should also be issued:
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To all new residents
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To existing residents annually
What If I Manage a High-Rise Building?
For high-rise residential buildings (over 18 metres or 7 storeys), there are additional duties, including:
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Fire safety plans and floor plans must be provided to the local fire and rescue service.
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Wayfinding signage (floor and flat numbers) must be installed in lobbies and stairwells.
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Monthly checks of firefighting lifts and key firefighting equipment must be carried out.
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Quarterly checks of all fire doors in communal areas.
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Annual checks of flat entrance doors.
These are in addition to the duties described above for providing fire safety instructions and door information to residents.
How Should the Information Be Provided?
Landlords can choose how to share fire safety information with tenants, but it should be:
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Clear and easy to understand
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Accessible to all residents, including those with language or communication barriers where possible
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Given in writing, either as a leaflet, letter, or email
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Physically displayed in common areas of the building
If you manage multiple buildings, it’s important to tailor the fire safety instructions to each building’s layout, systems, and evacuation strategy.
What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance?
Failing to comply with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 can result in:
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Enforcement action by the local fire and rescue authority
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Fines or prosecution
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Increased liability in the event of a fire
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Loss of trust from tenants and residents
Providing this information isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a vital part of keeping people safe.
Final Thoughts
Fire safety is a shared responsibility, but landlords and managing agents play a crucial role in ensuring residents are properly informed. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 make it clear: tenants have the right to know what to do in a fire, and what systems are in place to protect them.
If you need help creating compliant fire safety instructions, inspecting fire doors, or reviewing your building’s evacuation strategy, Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultantcy can help. We work with landlords and property managers across the UK, offering expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures.
Contact us today to find out more about the fire safety services we offer.