In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK government has introduced stricter fire safety responsibilities for those managing residential buildings. One of the most significant changes is the emphasis on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)—customised evacuation strategies for residents who may not be able to self-evacuate in an emergency.
Previously limited mainly to workplaces, the application of PEEPs in residential settings has now become a critical component of responsible building management, especially in multi-occupancy housing.
This article explores what PEEPs are, who needs them, the legal context, and how landlords can take proactive steps to comply and protect lives.
What Is a PEEP?
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a tailored strategy designed to assist individuals who cannot easily escape a building during an emergency such as a fire. PEEPs take into account a resident’s specific needs—mobility limitations, visual or hearing impairments, mental health conditions, or temporary medical issues—and outline exactly how that person will be supported during an evacuation.
This includes:
Identifying who will assist them
What equipment (e.g., evacuation chairs) is needed
The safest route of exit
Communication methods to alert and guide the person during emergencies
Why Are Residential PEEPs Important?
According to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report, several residents with disabilities were unable to escape the building due to the lack of personal evacuation planning. The inquiry highlighted the failure to consider the needs of vulnerable individuals as a key issue.
In response, the government committed to improving fire safety through better planning and individual risk assessments.
Read the official report here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grenfell-tower-inquiry-phase-1-report
For residential landlords and managing agents, especially in high-rise or complex buildings, this marks a clear shift from general building-level risk assessments to individualised, person-centred planning.
Legal Guidance on PEEPs
While there is still ongoing consultation about the legal enforceability of PEEPs in residential settings, building managers and landlords are strongly encouraged to adopt best practices in line with government guidance. The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022 further expand obligations for duty holders, especially in high-rise residential buildings.
The government has also introduced the concept of Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessments (PCFRAs). These assessments are designed to identify the risks to individuals with vulnerabilities and form the foundation of an effective PEEP.
Full guidance available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-emergency-evacuation-plans
Who Needs a PEEP?
A PEEP is typically needed for anyone who:
Has a mobility impairment (uses a wheelchair, walker, etc.)
Has visual or hearing impairments
Has a learning difficulty or mental health condition that affects their understanding or reaction to alarms
Is temporarily incapacitated (e.g., recovering from surgery)
Landlords and building managers should actively engage with residents to identify individuals who may need assistance during evacuation and develop plans accordingly.
Steps to Implementing PEEPs and PCFRAs
Implementing PEEPs starts with conducting a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment. This includes:
Identifying Vulnerable Residents
Engage tenants through surveys or direct communication to determine who may require assistance in emergencies.Assessing Individual Needs
Trained assessors should evaluate mobility, communication abilities, and medical conditions to tailor each evacuation plan.Developing a Personalised Plan
Each PEEP must be specific—outlining the route, assistance, alarms, and equipment needed.Coordinating with Fire and Rescue Services
PEEPs should be shared with the local Fire and Rescue Service to ensure they are aware of who needs help and how to provide it.Training and Drills
Staff, building wardens, and assistants should be trained on how to implement the plan during a real emergency.Regular Review
PEEPs should be reviewed at least annually or when a resident’s needs change.
Getting Professional Help
Creating effective PEEPs and PCFRAs requires expert knowledge of fire safety, building layouts, and human factors. For landlords and property managers, working with qualified fire safety consultants ensures that assessments are compliant and thorough.
You can book a full Fire Risk Assessment including PEEPs and PCFRAs through:
https://landlordschecks.co.uk/service/fire-safety-risk-assessment/
This service covers:
Full building inspection
Resident risk profiling
Compliance with current fire safety legislation
Recommendations for evacuation aids and improvements
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Resident Reluctance
Some residents may be hesitant to disclose medical conditions. Building trust and ensuring confidentiality is key.Building Limitations
Older buildings may lack evacuation lifts or wide corridors. In such cases, landlords must invest in practical solutions like evacuation chairs or refuge areas.Staffing Issues
Ensuring someone is available to assist 24/7 can be difficult. Explore partnerships with on-site staff, support workers, or security personnel.
Conclusion: PEEPs Are About Saving Lives
The move toward implementing PEEPs in residential buildings is not merely about legal compliance—it’s about moral responsibility. As a landlord or building manager, your duty extends beyond rent collection to ensuring all residents can evacuate safely in a fire.
By identifying those at risk and putting personalised evacuation strategies in place, you are protecting lives, meeting safety obligations, and strengthening your reputation as a responsible landlord.
Start now by arranging a professional assessment at:
https://landlordschecks.co.uk/service/fire-safety-risk-assessment/
And stay updated with the latest government guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-emergency-evacuation-plans
The cost of inaction is far too high. A properly implemented PEEP could be the difference between life and death.
