Fire Safety Act 2021 � scope and responsible person
The Fire Safety Act 2021 amended Article 6 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to clarify that the RRFSO applies to: (a) the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, insulation, and balconies; and (b) flat entrance doors � the front doors of individual flats that open into common parts. The responsible person (RP) for a multi-occupied residential building is: the freeholder or management company; the Right to Manage company (for common parts); or the landlord or their managing agent. The RP must carry out a fire risk assessment covering all common parts, structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors; implement and maintain fire safety measures; keep the assessment under review; and record it in writing.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 � fire door checks, resident information and HMO obligations
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (in force 23 January 2023) apply to buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises with common parts. Buildings over 11 metres: quarterly communal fire door checks (automatic closing device; gaps not exceeding 3mm; hinges; intumescent seals; handles; fire-rated glazing); monthly flat entrance door checks (resident notification system plus visual check from common parts). All multi-occupied buildings: quarterly communal fire door checks. Resident information requirements: RP name and contact details; fire safety instructions; evacuation procedures; fire door importance and fault reporting; firefighting lift instructions. Firefighting lifts and equipment: regular inspection; records available to fire and rescue authority. Wayfinding signage: floor numbers on all staircases and lift lobbies (buildings over 11m). HMO fire safety � additional obligations: RRFSO 2005 (common parts) + Housing Act 2004 HHSRS + HMO Management Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/372 England; SI 2006/1702 Wales): interconnected smoke alarms; fire blanket in every kitchen; fire extinguisher on every floor; fire doors throughout; illuminated emergency lighting (3+ storey HMOs).