Property owners, landlords, and developers in England need to be aware of several important regulation changes that took effect or are coming into force in 2025. These updates affect everything from toilets to fire safety systems. Here's what you need to know.
1. Toilet (Washroom) Regulations – Part T
As of 1 April 2025, Part T of the Building Regulations came into full effect. Any new public or workplace building must provide separate toilets for men and women, alongside any gender-neutral or universal toilets. Clear signage for each is also required. Universal toilets, sometimes called “superloos”, are allowed—but they must be in addition to single-sex facilities GOV.UK AssetsMaterial Source. These changes aim to improve privacy, dignity, and inclusivity in shared spaces.
2. Fire Safety – Approved Document B (ADB) Updates
On 2 March 2025, a revised version of Approved Document B became law for fire safety in England Sweco United Kingdom+4GOV.UK Assets+4GOV.UK+4. Key changes include:
Sprinklers in new care homes are now mandatory for enhanced safety in high-risk settings GOV.UK Assets+8Salus Building Control and Fire Safety+8GOV.UK+8.
National fire classifications (BS 476) have been removed. Instead, European standards (BS EN 13501) are now fully used GOV.UK+2Salus Building Control and Fire Safety+2UK Red Security+2.
More stringent rules around fire-safety documentation (Regulation 38) now mean developers and contractors must provide comprehensive fire safety details to the responsible person upon project completion GOV.UK Assets+3GOV.UK Assets+3Sweco United Kingdom+3.
3. Fire Alarms – BS 5839‑1 (2025)
From 30 April 2025, the UK officially moved from BS 5839‑1:2017 to BS 5839‑1:2025 for fire alarm systems in non-domestic buildings IPS Fire & Security. Highlights include:
Smoke detectors are now preferred in all sleeping areas, such as hotels, care homes, and student housing.
Fire alarms must now monitor activation signals within 90 seconds and report faults within 3 minutes.
Manual call point positioning guidance is clearer, and lift shafts and some lobbies now require detectors.
All mains cables must be red, making system parts easier to identify IPS Fire & Security+1Applications Engineering+1.
4. Fire Doors – 2025 Requirements
From 2025, stricter standards apply to fire door installation and maintenance:
Fire doors must be installed by certified professionals and equipped with intumescent seals, which expand under heat to seal gaps IronmongeryDirect+1UK Red Security+1.
In high-traffic or public buildings, fire doors must now be inspected quarterly (instead of yearly) to ensure they're properly functioning IronmongeryDirect.
All materials must meet enhanced BS or EN fire resistance standards, and maintenance records or certificates are legally required IronmongeryDirect+1Material Source+1.
These updates reflect growing concern for human safety, accessibility, and hygiene standards:
Toilets: ensuring dignity and inclusion.
Fire safety: aligning with modern standards, simplifying classifications, and improving protection in vulnerable settings.
Alarm systems: enabling faster response and detection.
Fire doors: reinforcing compartmentation to slow fire spread and protect escape routes.
Review your buildings: Check if they fall under these new rules—especially care homes, public buildings, or workplaces.
Inspect installations: Ensure you have the correct toilets, fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire doors, with proper documentation.
Train staff: Make sure responsible personnel understand their duties under Regulation 38 and are aware of new maintenance timelines.
These updates mark a step forward in building safety and inclusivity. Staying compliant now can prevent legal issues, improve safety, and enhance the quality of your properties for all users.