New Fire Safety Regulations 2025: What FM Managers Must Know Before March Deadline

New fire safety rules are coming in March 2025 — and they affect every commercial building in the UK. Here's what you need to know, and what you need to do, before the deadline hits.

What's Changing?

Managing a building over 11 meters tall? Got multiple tenants? Then listen up.

You'll need to update your fire safety procedures. The government is tightening the rules following the Building Safety Act, and the changes are significant. No exceptions.

Fire Risk Assessments — Now Annual

Previously, you could check your fire safety every two years. Not anymore.

From March, you'll need a full assessment every 12 months — and it must be done by a certified professional.

What this means for you:

• Book your assessment now. Everyone's scrambling for the same deadline.
• Keep digital records for 10 years. No more filing cabinets.
• Found something serious? Tell the fire authority immediately.
• Your tenants need the results within 48 hours. No delays.

Evacuation Plans Need an Update

Think about everyone in your building. Disabled occupants? Visitors with mobility issues?

You'll now need Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for them. And those fire drills? They're moving from once a year to every three months. Yes, really.

Fire Doors — The Big One

This is where many buildings will struggle.

Every fire door needs checking every six months by someone qualified. Found a problem? You've got 30 days to fix it. No exceptions. No extensions.

Your Action Plan

Don't wait until February. Here's what to do this week:

1. Book your fire risk assessment — Seriously, do this first. Assessors are already getting booked up.
2. Check your fire equipment — Walk around with a clipboard. When were your extinguishers last serviced? Are your emergency lights actually working?
3. Count your fire doors — Make a list. When were they last checked? You'll need this information soon.
4. Review your evacuation plan — Does it account for everyone? Is it still realistic? Or is it gathering dust in a drawer?
5. Brief your team — Make sure everyone knows what's changing and what their role is. Communication matters.

What Happens If You Don't Comply?

Let's be blunt: the penalties are serious.

Fines can reach £50,000. In severe cases? Prison time. Your insurance might also refuse to pay out if you're not compliant.

It's not worth the risk.

Need Help?

We get it — this is a lot to manage on top of everything else.

Our team can handle your fire risk assessments, check your fire doors, and help you create compliant evacuation plans. Everything's documented digitally, and we'll keep you on track for future compliance too.