Changes to fire safety guidance in 2025

The changes, in brief

As of 2nd March 2025, all new care homes in England must have fire sprinkler systems installed. Sprinklers effectively suppress fires, helping enhance resident safety including concerns relating to safe evacuation of vulnerable elderly residents.

High-rise and high-risk buildings must develop and implement tailored Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable residents who require assistance during evacuations in multi-occupancy buildings.

The UK will start phasing out the old British fire testing standard BS 476 and replacing it with BS EN 13501 European fire testing standards. A transition period has been provided to allow manufacturers time to re-test their products under the new standards.

Finally, the RICS and UK Finance issued an update regarding EWS1s on 1^st May 2025. There are two key points to take away from the update, and they are:

• EWS1s more than five years old may not automatically require updating
• EWS1s signed by an invalid signatory may not need to be updated

This appears to be a positive step in the right direction for many leaseholders, particularly as the first EWS1 certificates are coming towards their 5 year expiry. It remains to be seen if the mortgage providers will follow the guidance, however it is worth property managers seeking confirmation before automatically renewing an EWS1 certificate.

Support for businesses and building owners/managers

Businesses, property developers, and building managers will need to familiarise themselves with the changes and take action to ensure compliance. Our surveyors are highly experienced in all aspects of fire safety for residential apartments, schools and offices, and can help ensure you remain compliant.

To find out more, please contact 0117 942 7876 or email info@eastonbevins.co.uk and a member of our team will be in touch.