From 6 April 2026, Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) will be introduced to support safe evacuation procedures from homes during fire emergencies. 

An RPEEP is an individual plan created for anyone who may require assistance to safely exit their home during a fire emergency. This may include people with temporary or permanent mobility limitations, sensory impairments, medical conditions, injuries or any other circumstance that affect their ability to evacuate independently.  

The Regulations apply to residential buildings in England that: 

• Are 18 metres or taller (or have seven or more storeys), or 

• Are more than 11 metres tall (usually around five storeys) and use a simultaneous evacuation strategy — meaning everyone would leave the building at the same time during a fire.   

We’ve recently written to all residents in buildings covered by the regulation, and we will will also use this process in our Later Living communities.  

Residents in housing that is outside of the regulation, including those in buildings more than 11 metres tall with a ‘stay put’ strategy can also get support upon request – please see below. 

Who may need an RPEEP? 

Any person that may have:  

• difficulty using stairs or moving quickly during an evacuation 
• visual or hearing impairments that may affect their awareness off alarms or evacuation instructions 
• a medical condition, injury or temporary mobility issue 
• or anyone that feels they may require assistance to evacuate safely. 

What will happen next? 

If you feel you may benefit from an RPEEP we will ask you to fill in a simple form, known as the Resident Evacuation Questionnaire. We’ll then talk through your responses with you and develop a plan that works for you.    

To request an RPEEP please contact us by emailing RPEEPS@tch.org.uk or call 01892 501480. 

• Further information and guidance can be found here: Residential PEEPs: Factsheet – GOV.UK