What the New Fire Safety Laws Mean for the Responsible Person — Post-Grenfell Regulations Explained

Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, fire safety legislation in the UK has undergone major reform. These changes aim to address the systemic failures highlighted in the Grenfell Inquiry and place much stronger legal duties on those responsible for building safety — especially the Responsible Person under the Fire Safety Order (FSO).

If you manage or own residential or commercial property, it’s critical to understand what these changes mean for you, and the serious penalties for non-compliance.

The Fire Safety Act 2021

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that external walls, cladding, balconies, windows, and flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings must be included in fire risk assessments.

Previously, many assessments excluded these areas due to legal uncertainty. Now, their inclusion is a legal requirement.

This affects all buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises, including flats above shops.

The Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act introduced a new regulatory framework for higher-risk buildings (residential buildings 18m or 7 storeys and above). This includes:

• A new Accountable Person role (alongside the existing Responsible Person),

• The need for a Building Safety Case Report, and

• A central Building Safety Regulator (BSR) with enforcement powers.

If you are the Responsible Person in a higher-risk building, you’ll need to cooperate with the Accountable Person and ensure robust systems are in place to manage building safety and fire risks.

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

These came into force on 23 January 2023, introducing mandatory duties for Responsible Persons in multi-occupied residential buildings. The key requirements include:

• Monthly checks on fire doors in communal areas (quarterly for flat entrance doors)

• Installation of wayfinding signage

• Provision of fire safety instructions to residents

• Sharing of building plans and info with Fire and Rescue Services

These apply on a sliding scale depending on the height and complexity of the building.

What It Means for the Responsible Person

If you’re the Responsible Person — typically the owner, landlord, managing agent, or employer — you now face:

• Increased legal duties

• More frequent checks and documentation

• A duty to ensure your fire risk assessment is suitable and up-to-date, including all building elements

It’s no longer acceptable to take a “tick-box” approach or rely on outdated assessments. You must proactively manage fire safety and show clear evidence of compliance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The stakes are high. Enforcement has tightened significantly, and penalties include:

• Unlimited fines for breaches of the Fire Safety Order

• Criminal prosecution for serious or repeated breaches

• Imprisonment of up to 2 years in the most serious cases

• Public listing of enforcement action on government websites

In 2023 alone, the Fire and Rescue Services issued hundreds of Enforcement Notices, Prohibition Notices, and Prosecutions, especially where risk assessments were inadequate or ignored.

How 20a Limited Can Help

At 20a Limited, we work closely with Responsible Persons to carry out thorough, building-specific fire risk assessments, not generic reports. We understand the latest legislation and help you:

• Stay compliant

• Understand your duties

• Put practical safety measures in place

Whether it’s a block of flats, a workplace, or a mixed-use building, we’ll guide you through what’s required — and help protect your building, your people, and your reputation.