Responsible persons and high rise
Recent new laws and regulations have changed and increased the role and responsibilities of Responsible Persons for high rise residential buildings.
A high rise residential building is one that is
- at least 18 metres or 7 storeys in height
- has two or more sets of domestic premises
Fire safety requirements for buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises increases, dependent upon the building's height. A building between 11 m and 17.9 m high will have additional requirements, and buildings of 18 metres or 7 storeys, will have further requirements. Go to our Fire Safety (England) Regulations page to read more.
See below for an overview of these laws and regulations and access further information about them and how the role of Responsible Persons is affected.
Overview of changes to RPs' duties
In addition to the responsibilities set out in the Fire Safety Order, RPs must also be aware of the following:
The Fire Safety Act 2021
As a result of this Act, responsible persons (RPs) for multi-occupied residential buildings must now manage and reduce the risk of fire for the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows, and entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts.
RPs should also use the Fire Risk Assessment Prioritisation Tool (FRAPT) – a tool designed to assist RPs develop a strategy to prioritise their buildings when reviewing their fire risk assessments
Fire Safety Regulations 2022
These regulations required RPs of high-rise residential buildings and buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises, to provide information on their building/s to Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS). For a helpful video, diagram and further information see our dedicated Fire Safety (England) Regulations page.
Submitting your documents
If you are familiar with the Regulations and wish to submit your documents, please go to our Submit your Information page.
The Building Safety Act 2022
This Act made changes to the duties of RPs as set out in the Fire Safety Order. These changes relate to all RPs, not just those for high rise buildings. However, RPs for high rise buildings should be aware of the effect of this Act in relation to:
- the introduction of Accountable Persons for high rise buildings
- how RPs should work with them
- how premises with two or more sets of domestic premises are affected
- recording and sharing information, including where there are other RPs sharing the same premises
- the duties of outgoings RPs and the provision of information to new RPs