Introduction
Fire safety legislation in the UK continues to evolve – and BS 9792:2025 is a key development in Fire Risk Assessment for Housing. As a Coventry-based Chartered Health and Safety Consultancy and Tier 2 Fire Risk Assessment practice, JCH Safety Ltd is committed to staying ahead of these updates to support landlords, managing agents, housing providers, and responsible persons across the Midlands.
So, what is BS 9792:2025? And how will it shape the way fire risk assessments are carried out in housing?
What is BS 9792:2025?
BS 9792:2025 is the new British Standard Code of Practice for Fire Risk Assessments in Housing. Published by the British Standards Institution (BSI), it offers comprehensive guidance to fire risk assessors working in a wide range of residential properties—from houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and purpose-built flats to converted buildings and social housing schemes.
It brings together best practices in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021, and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, alongside other essential guidance such as PAS 79, BS 9991, and BS 8644.
Why is BS 9792:2025 Important?
Over the past few years, there has been growing scrutiny around fire safety in housing, especially following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. BS 9792:2025 is designed to:
- Standardise the fire risk assessment process in housing.
- Promote competence and consistency among fire risk assessors.
- Enhance the quality and transparency of fire safety documentation.
- Guide the risk-based prioritisation of remedial actions.
BS 9792:2025 Key Themes and Features
Here are some of the essential components of BS 9792:2025:
1. Scope and Structure
The standard applies to general needs and specialised housing, covering both single and multi-occupied dwellings. It supports a systematic approach to assessing fire risk, tailored to residential layouts and occupancy types.
2. Competency of the Assessor
BS 9792 reinforces the importance of using a competent fire risk assessor—someone with demonstrable knowledge, training, and experience, and with access to current standards. (As a reminder, JCH Safety Ltd is registered with the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), reflecting the competence required under this standard.)
3. Fire Risk Ratings and Action Plans
The standard supports the development of prioritised action plans using risk-based grading, helping dutyholders allocate resources efficiently to manage fire safety.
4. Integration with Other Guidance
BS 9792 complements existing standards such as:
- BS 9991 (fire safety in residential buildings)
- BS 8644-1 (digital fire safety information management)
- Approved Document B and fire engineering methodologies under BS 7974
Who Should Take Note?
If you’re a housing provider, managing agent, landlord, or facilities manager in Coventry, Birmingham, Leicester, or the wider Midlands, this standard directly affects your legal obligations.
Whether you own a Victorian terrace divided into flats or manage a new-build apartment block in Coventry’s city centre or Warwickshire suburbs, fire risk assessments must be conducted and documented competently. BS 9792:2025 provides the framework to do this correctly.
How JCH Safety Can Help
At JCH Safety Ltd, we carry out professional fire risk assessments for a wide range of residential properties in Coventry, Leamington, Warwick, Rugby, Birmingham, Leicester, Derby, and beyond.
- We are fully qualified and insured
- We provide clear action plans in line with BS 9792:2025
- We advise on remedial works and ongoing management
- We operate independently and with full third-party accreditation
We’ve worked with landlords, housing associations, student landlords, care homes, and supported housing providers to ensure their properties are safe, compliant, and future-proofed.
BS 9792:2025 Final Thoughts
BS 9792:2025 is a critical development for fire safety in the UK housing sector. By aligning your fire risk assessments with this new code of practice, you protect residents, ensure legal compliance, and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety.
If you’re based in Coventry or the Midlands and need help reviewing your current fire risk assessment in light of BS 9792:2025, get in touch with JCH Safety Ltd today.
