BS 9792:2025 – What it Means for Housing Fire Safety
What is BS 9792:2025?
BS 9792:2025 is the new British Standard for fire risk assessments in residential buildings, replacing PAS 79-2 and establishing a consistent benchmark for how fire risk assessments (FRAs) should be conducted, documented, and managed.
The standard introduces a clear, structured framework that helps organisations assess fire safety more effectively through:
It provides a clear, structured framework for assessing fire safety in housing, including:
- A standardised 9-step methodology for conducting fire risk assessments
- Guidance on identifying fire risks, hazards, and safety measures
- A consistent way to document findings and actions
- Defined expectations around competency of assessors
- Clear guidance on managing fire safety and ongoing review
In simple terms:
By creating a single, recognised approach, BS 9792:2025 improves consistency, supports compliance, and helps ensure higher-quality fire risk assessments across the housing sector.
What buildings does it apply to?
The Standard applies to most multi-occupied residential buildings, including:
- Blocks of flats and apartments
- HMOs
- Supported / sheltered / specialist housing
- Student accommodation
- Residential parts of mixed-use buildings
What’s new in BS 9792:2025?
BS 9792:2025 builds on previous guidance with a more robust and practical approach to residential fire risk assessment, reflecting current legislation, industry expectations, and best practice.
Key improvements include:
- A streamlined and structured assessment methodology that promotes greater consistency and clarity.
- Increased focus on vulnerable and higher-risk residents, ensuring assessments better reflect real-world occupancy risks.
- Greater emphasis on fire safety management and human factors, recognising the role of people, behaviours, and processes in maintaining safety.
- Updated guidance aligned with current legislation and regulatory expectations, including post-Grenfell reforms.
- Standardised reporting and action planning, making findings easier to communicate, track, and manage.
Who is it for?
BS 9792:2025 is relevant to:
- Housing associations
- Social and private landlords
- Managing agents
- Local authorities
- Fire risk assessors
- Fire safety consultants
- Regulators and auditors
Conclusion
BS 9792:2025 sets the benchmark for fire risk assessments in residential buildings, ensuring a consistent, risk-based approach that improves safety, supports compliance, and builds confidence with residents and regulators. To find out more about our fire risk assessments click here.
