In August 2025, the British Standards Institution (BSI) published BS 9792:2025 – Fire risk assessment – Housing – Code of practice. This is now the recommended methodology for carrying out fire risk assessments in most residential buildings in the UK.

If you are a landlord, freeholder, managing agent, or housing provider, this standard directly affects how your Fire Risk Assessment should be structured and documented.

This guide explains what BS 9792:2025 is, what has changed, who it applies to, and the practical steps you need to take to stay compliant.

What is BS 9792:2025?

BS 9792:2025 is a full British Standard that provides a structured, risk-proportionate methodology for undertaking and recording fire risk assessments in housing premises.

It is not the law itself. The legal requirement to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment still comes from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. However, BS 9792:2025 is now the recognised benchmark that fire authorities, insurers, and courts will use to judge whether an assessment for housing is adequate.

What Did It Replace?

BS 9792:2025 formally replaces PAS 79-2:2020, which was the previous housing-specific code of practice.

PAS 79-2 was withdrawn several years earlier and had been available only in a limited form while a full rewrite took place. The new British Standard is a complete revision, not a simple update.

For non-housing (commercial) premises, PAS 79-1:2020 remains the current recommended methodology. You can read our comparison here: PAS 79-1 vs BS 9792:2025 Explained.

Who Does BS 9792:2025 Apply To?

The standard applies to fire risk assessments in:

• Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Blocks of flats and maisonettes (purpose-built and converted)
• Specialised housing (sheltered, extra-care, and supported housing)
• Student accommodation falling into the above categories
• Common parts and access areas serving residential accommodation in mixed-use buildings

It does not apply to:

• Single-household private dwellings
• Short-term lets (e.g. entire-unit holiday lets or peer-to-peer accommodation)
• Residential care homes
• Non-domestic (commercial) premises

These excluded categories continue to follow PAS 79-1:2020 where a fire risk assessment is required.

What is New in BS 9792:2025?

The main improvements over the previous PAS 79-2 include:

1. Clearer structure and new pro forma: A streamlined, standardised format for recording findings that is easier for both assessors and non-specialists (landlords and managing agents) to understand and act on.
2. Stronger focus on people with specific evacuation needs: Updated guidance and a new informative annex covering residents who may need extra support to evacuate, including those with physical or cognitive impairments. Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessments (PCFRAs) are now more clearly integrated.
3. Four defined types of fire risk assessment: The standard formalises Type 1 to Type 4 assessments so the depth of inspection matches the risk and complexity of the building.
4. Better alignment with current legislation: Updated to reflect the Fire Safety Act 2021, Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and related guidance such as PAS 9980 for external wall appraisals.
5. Improved readability: Commentary has been streamlined so the document is more practical for everyday use.

The Four Types of Fire Risk Assessment

BS 9792:2025 defines four types of assessment:

• Type 1 – Common parts only, non-intrusive (visual inspection). This is the most common type for standard HMOs and many blocks of flats.
• Type 2 – Common parts only, but with intrusive inspection (opening up voids, checking fire stopping, etc.).
• Type 3 – Common parts plus a sample of individual dwellings, non-intrusive.
• Type 4 – Common parts plus sample dwellings, with intrusive inspection. Usually reserved for higher-risk or more complex buildings.

The correct type should be chosen based on the building’s risk profile, construction, previous findings, and any known issues with compartmentation or external walls.

How to Comply with BS 9792:2025 – Practical Steps for Responsible Persons

Here is what landlords and dutyholders should do:

1. Check your existing Fire Risk Assessment: If it was written against PAS 79-2 or an older template, plan to have it reviewed and updated to the new standard at the next scheduled review (or sooner if there have been significant changes).
2. Confirm the methodology with your assessor: When commissioning a new assessment, ask specifically that it follows BS 9792:2025. Avoid vague references to “PAS 79”.
3. Choose the right type of assessment: Discuss with a competent assessor whether Type 1 is sufficient or whether a deeper Type 2, 3 or 4 assessment is needed.
4. Address external walls where required: BS 9792 works alongside PAS 9980. If your building has cladding or external wall concerns, a separate Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) may still be necessary.
5. Act on the findings and keep records: Implement the action plan, maintain records of work completed, and review the assessment regularly or when circumstances change.
6. Consider residents with additional needs: Make sure evacuation planning takes account of any residents who may require assistance.

For background on the wider legal framework, see our guides on the Fire Safety Order 2005 and Building Safety Act 2022 / Fire Safety Act 2021.

How Fire Safety Risk Assessment Can Help

At Fire Safety Risk Assessment, our housing reports are prepared in line with BS 9792:2025. We select the appropriate assessment type for your property, provide clear prioritised recommendations, and deliver reports that are practical for landlords and managing agents to use.

We cover HMOs, blocks of flats, specialised housing, and mixed-use residential buildings across Birmingham, Manchester, West Midlands, Warrington, and the wider UK.

Related reading:

• Who Is Responsible for Making a Fire Risk Assessment?
• Fire Risk Assessment Cost for Landlords
• How Many Steps Make Up a Fire Safety Risk Assessment?

Final Advice

BS 9792:2025 is the current standard you should expect your housing Fire Risk Assessment to follow. Using an outdated methodology risks gaps in coverage — particularly around vulnerable residents and the quality of documentation.

If your last assessment predates August 2025, or if you are unsure whether it meets the new expectations, now is a good time to review it with a competent assessor.

Need a BS 9792:2025-compliant Fire Risk Assessment? Contact Fire Safety Risk Assessment today for clear advice and a professional assessment tailored to your property.

Get a quote or book your assessment