Landlords, owners, management companies and anyone else responsible for multi-occupied residential buildings in Kent and Medway are now legally required to follow specific fire safety measures, depending on the height of the building. 

The new requirements have been introduced nationally from today (23 January 2023) following a change in law to help ensure the safety of residents. 

Some of the regulations apply regardless of height, but more are needed once a building reaches 11 metres and further requirements are introduced when a building measures 18 metres and above, or seven storeys. 

For high-rise buildings that reach 18 metres or above, the responsible person has a legal duty to provide Kent Fire and Rescue (KFRS) with important information to help firefighters prepare and provide an effective operational response. This includes sharing up-to-date floor plans, both electronically and on-site in secure information boxes, which highlights key firefighting equipment. 

They will also need to share information with KFRS about the design and materials of the building’s external walls, identifying any risks posed and mitigating measures taken, and report any faults with firefighting equipment that will take longer than 24 hours to rectify. 

For residential buildings with storeys over 11 metres in height, the responsible person is required to undertake annual checks of flat entrance doors and quarterly checks of all fire doors in the common areas. 

In all residential buildings with two or more domestic premises, it is now the law to provide relevant fire safety instructions to residents, as well as fire door advice. 

Additionally, signage needs to be installed that identifies flat and floor numbers in stairwells, which is visible in low light or smoky conditions. 

Steve Burwell, KFRS’ Group Manager for Building Safety, said: “We’re here to help people stay safe at home and these new regulations will help us to be better prepared and equipped to effectively respond to incidents a multi-occupied residential buildings. 

“This is an official change in law for the whole country and we will expect every person responsible for these types of building here in Kent and Medway to adhere to these rules. 

“We have plenty of advice and support available, and by working together we’re helping to create a safer future for the county.”

The regulations have been introduced under article 24 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order), to implement the majority of recommendations made to the government in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report. 

If you have questions or need advice on understanding your responsibilities, contact KFRS’ free building safety helpline on 01622 212 442, or email buildingsafetyenquiry@kent.fire-uk.org.