We have published BS 9792:2025 - a landmark British Standard designed to provide a clear, structured approach to fire risk assessments (FRAs) in housing.

With evolving regulations, the rise in complex housing types, and the ever-present need to protect residents from the risk of fire, BS 9792:2025 Fire risk assessment. Housing. Code of practice introduces a vital framework for assessing fire safety across a wide range of residential buildings.

The standard succeeds PAS 79-2:2020 and reflects the lessons learned from high-profile incidents, the impact of current legislation, and the need for a consistent approach to fire risk assessment in housing premises.

A new era for fire risk in residential settings

BS 9792:2025 sets out recommendations and examples of documentation for undertaking and recording FRAs in housing, including:

• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

• Blocks of flats and maisonettes (both purpose-built and converted).

• Specialised housing (e.g. supported or sheltered accommodation).

• Student accommodation falling into the above categories.

• Common areas in mixed-use buildings providing access to residential premises.

The standard is aimed at competent persons conducting assessments, as well as freeholders, managing agents, housing providers, and other duty holders under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

Importantly, BS 9792:2025 does not apply to private single-household dwellings, short-term lets, care homes, or non-domestic premises. Nor does it replace specialist external wall assessments. It fits within a wider ecosystem of fire safety standards:

• BS 8674 (publishing soon) defines the competencies required of individual fire risk assessors.

• PAS 79-1 outlines the FRA process for non-residential buildings, while BS 9792 applies to residential ones.

• PAS 9980 provides the methodology for assessing external wall construction and cladding on existing blocks of flats (known as FRAEWs).

Fire risk assessment is just one part of a safer, more resilient built environment. Discover how standards can support your projects, policies, and professional practice by visiting our Built Environment industry page.

Key features of BS 9792

BS 9792:2025 is not a minor revision, but a full reworking of its predecessor. Developed by a new, independent panel of experts, the standard introduces several key changes:

• Restructured content to clarify FRA types and assessment principles.

• New pro forma for recording and communicating assessment findings.

• Updated guidance on the evacuation needs of residents, including those with disabilities.

• Streamlined commentary for ease of use by assessors and non-specialists.

• Full alignment with UK legislation and current British Standards.

The document encourages a risk-proportionate, holistic approach, focused on preventing and mitigating fire in a way that reflects the unique challenges of residential settings.

What are the benefits of BS 9792:2025?

BS 9792:2025 offers a host of benefits for professionals involved in fire risk assessments for housing, as well as those responsible for meeting fire safety obligations under UK law. It supports a modern, structured, and defensible approach to managing fire risk in residential buildings.

Key benefits include:

• Legal alignment: Fully aligned with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Safety Act 2022, helping duty holders meet their legal responsibilities.

• Clarity of scope: Clearly defines the types of housing premises the standard applies to — and just as importantly, what it excludes — reducing confusion and misapplication.

• Improved documentation: Introduces a new, streamlined pro forma and guidance on recording assessments clearly and consistently, improving traceability and transparency.

• Inclusive fire safety: Offers updated guidance for residents with specific evacuation requirements, helping organisations address inclusivity and compliance with equalities legislation.

• Credibility and consistency: Provides a structured, evidence-based methodology that supports a consistent and professional approach across assessors, organisations, and jurisdictions.

• Risk-proportionate framework: Encourages holistic, practical decision-making grounded in fire safety principles, not checklists - enabling better tailored and defensible assessments.

• Supports non-specialists: Helps housing providers, managing agents, and landlords understand their responsibilities and engage more effectively with fire risk professionals.

BS 9792:2025 is more than a technical document. It is a tool for raising standards, improving resident safety, and reinforcing trust in the way fire risk is assessed and managed in housing.

BS 9792:2025 is now available. Housing professionals, fire risk assessors, and legal duty holders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the standard and integrate its methodology into their FRA processes. Learn more or purchase a copy here.