Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, the government has introduced tougher regulations to ensure buildings—especially high-rise and multi-occupancy blocks—meet the highest fire safety standards. The Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 have reshaped responsibilities for managing agents, landlords, and building owners.
Who’s Legally Responsible?
1. The Responsible Person (RP)
Every block must have a designated Responsible Person—usually the freeholder, managing agent, or Right to Manage (RTM) company. This person or entity is legally required to:
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Carry out and regularly review fire risk assessments
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Ensure communal areas are safe and accessible
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Maintain fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and signage
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Implement and communicate fire evacuation plans
2. Managing Agents
In many cases, managing agents (like Oakfield) act on behalf of the freeholder or RTM to carry out day-to-day compliance. That includes:
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Organising fire door checks
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Coordinating safety inspections
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Maintaining records of servicing and repairs
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Liaising with contractors and fire safety professionals
3. Leaseholders and Residents
While not legally accountable for communal areas, leaseholders and tenants do have responsibilities:
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Not to obstruct fire exits or hallways
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To report damage to fire doors or safety equipment
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To follow the building’s fire safety procedures
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To avoid high-risk behaviours (e.g., storing flammable materials)
What Buildings Are Affected?
All residential blocks must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, but additional rules now apply to:
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High-rise buildings (over 18 metres or 7 storeys)
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Buildings with communal internal areas
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Blocks with multiple dwellings or shared access routes
These buildings may require:
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Quarterly fire door checks
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Annual fire door inspections in individual flats
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Installation of wayfinding signage and emergency lighting
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Regular submission of fire risk assessments to the Fire and Rescue Service
How to Stay Compliant
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Review your fire risk assessment – Make sure it’s up to date and includes the latest legal requirements.
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Check your fire doors – Damaged or propped-open fire doors can void your insurance and breach compliance.
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Maintain clear communal areas – No bikes, furniture, or storage that could block escape routes.
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Work with a qualified managing agent – One that understands current legislation and has robust systems in place.
Need Help? Oakfield Can Guide You
Our block management team is trained in the latest fire safety regulations and works proactively to keep buildings compliant. Whether you need a fresh fire risk assessment, help with inspections, or ongoing safety reporting—we’re here to help.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation or compliance review. Check out our contact details here.