High rise and responsible person
Recent new laws and regulations have changed and increased the role and responsibilities of RPs for high rise residential buildings.
A high rise residential building is:
- At least 18 metres or seven 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 metres and 17.9 metres high will have additional requirements, and buildings of 18 metres or 7 storeys, will have further requirements. Visit Blocks of flats (Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022) for more information.
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, 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.
Visit The Fire Safety Act 2021 for more information.
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 Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS). For a helpful video, diagram and further information see our dedicated Fire Safety (England) Regulations page.
If you are familiar with the regulations and wish to submit your documents, please go to our sending information to NFRS page
Visit Blocks of flats (Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022) for more information.
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 person 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
Visit The Building Safety Act 2022 for more information.
