Fire risk assessment code of practice updated for UK residential premises
BSI has published an updated fire risk assessment code for UK housing, replacing previous guidance with a new formal standard.
The new standard, BS 9792:2025, applies to a wide range of residential premises, including shared housing, flats, student housing and specialist accommodation.
According to BSI, the revised code replaces PAS 79-2:2020 and is designed to bring greater structure, clarity and consistency to the assessment process.
It includes updated templates, revised commentary, and new content addressing evacuation needs for individuals requiring support.
BSI said the guidance is intended to support fire risk assessors in determining proportionate fire safety measures and ensuring legal compliance.
New guidance replaces withdrawn PAS 79-2:2020
BS 9792:2025 has been introduced as a full revision and formal upgrade of PAS 79-2:2020, which was withdrawn in 2020.
According to BSI, the new code has been developed by an independent panel using PAS 79-2 as a base while updating it to meet current legal requirements and sector expectations.
It is intended for use by assessors working in different residential environments, including houses in multiple occupation, blocks of flats and supported housing.
The standard offers a structured approach to documenting fire risk assessments, supported by examples and commentary aimed at delivering consistency in practice.
BSI stated that the update includes measures to support individuals with specific evacuation needs and improve inclusivity in fire safety planning.
BS 9792:2025 aligns with related fire safety standards
BSI said the new code complements other recent publications, such as PAS 9980, which provides guidance for external wall assessments.
It also links to BS 8674, a forthcoming standard related to the competence of fire risk assessors, further strengthening the framework for residential fire safety.
The organisation added that aligning these standards helps ensure consistent expectations across the housing sector and among safety professionals.
By establishing a unified approach, BSI said the new document contributes to a more transparent and reliable basis for risk evaluation and mitigation.
Statement from BSI on sector impact
Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors and Standards Development at BSI, said the publication reflects the need to support safety in residential accommodation.
Hayes said: “The issue of fire risk in residential accommodation should be front of mind for the whole sector. To protect people it is critical that we ensure all standards reflect the latest evidence.
“The publication of this updated guidance marks a major step forward for residential fire safety. It is designed to deliver clarity, consistency, and assurance for housing providers, assessors, and all those committed to protecting lives.
“It sets a new benchmark for safety planning and reflects a strengthened and collaborative commitment to transparency and the needs of diverse housing communities.”
Development process and intentions behind the update
BSI confirmed that BS 9792:2025 was developed by a separate, independent panel of experts with the intention of ensuring modern relevance and impartiality.
The panel used previous guidance as a foundation while introducing updates aligned with current legal obligations and fire safety knowledge.
According to BSI, the intention behind the updated structure was to make the standard more user-friendly for assessors working across various types of housing stock.
The organisation said the revised pro forma and commentary provide practical support to those conducting fire risk assessments.
BSI said the updated code is part of its broader work to reinforce professional standards in the UK built environment sector.
BS 9792:2025 sets new framework for UK housing fire risk assessment: Summary
BSI has released a new standard for fire risk assessment in UK housing.
The new code is called BS 9792:2025.
It replaces PAS 79-2:2020, which was withdrawn in 2020.
BSI said the new standard provides a clearer structure and updated templates.
It is designed for assessors working in HMOs, flats, student housing and specialised housing.
The code includes new guidance for people with specific evacuation needs.
BSI said it complements PAS 9980 and the upcoming BS 8674.
The organisation said BS 9792:2025 was created by an independent panel.
BSI said the update focuses on legal compliance and best practice.
Anne Hayes from BSI said the standard supports clarity and safety in housing.
The guidance is intended to help assessors determine proportionate fire safety measures.