If you are a tenant or renter in Wales and you have mobility, sensory or cognitive needs that could affect leaving your home in an emergency, this page explains what a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is, when a landlord should provide one, and how to ask for reasonable adjustments. It uses plain language to set out practical steps a tenant can take, what to record, and which official bodies and forms may be involved so you can protect your safety and rights without legal jargon.
What is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan?
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a short, written plan that explains how a person with additional needs will safely exit a building in an emergency. It typically notes mobility or sensory needs, any equipment or assistance required, preferred escape routes and who will assist. A PEEP is a practical safety tool used by landlords, building managers and emergency services to reduce risk.
Landlord duties in Wales
Landlords in Wales must manage fire and safety risks in buildings they control. That duty includes assessing communal areas, providing reasonable adjustments where a tenant has a disability, and recording actions taken. Where someone living in rented housing needs a PEEP, the landlord should consider it as part of fire safety planning and reasonable adjustments under equality and housing duties. For national fire-risk guidance see the official fire safety guidance.[1]
- Carry out and act on a fire risk assessment for common areas and sleeping accommodation.
- Record any agreed PEEP and keep a copy with the tenancy file and with building managers.
- Ensure escape routes and doors are kept clear and that keys or access arrangements are available where needed.
- Provide clear written information to the tenant about the PEEP and any regular checks or drills.
How to request a PEEP and what to include
Ask your landlord or letting agent in writing for a PEEP if you have difficulty evacuating. Explain the specific support you need (for example, assistance on stairs, temporary use of an evacuation chair, audible or visual alarms, or help from a named neighbour). Keep a dated copy of your request and any response; this documentation is important if you need to escalate the issue. If your landlord agrees, confirm the PEEP content in writing and agree who holds the master copy.
- Write a clear request describing your needs and any medical or mobility aids that matter.
- Ask for a written PEEP that lists escape routes, helpers, and any equipment required.
- Request a timeline for when the PEEP will be prepared and reviewed.
When to escalate and official routes
If a landlord does not respond or refuses reasonable adjustments, tenants in Wales can raise the matter with the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for property-related disputes or contact local enforcement for fire safety concerns. The tribunal handles many residential tenancy disputes and can consider cases about safety, repairs and tenant rights.[2] You can also contact your local council environmental health or fire and rescue service about unresolved fire safety risks.
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for unresolved housing safety or disrepair disputes.
- Report communal fire-safety hazards to your local fire and rescue service or council.
- Keep copies of PEEP requests, medical evidence, photographs and correspondence as evidence.
FAQ
- Do landlords have to make a PEEP for every tenant?
- No. Landlords must consider reasonable adjustments for tenants with disabilities and manage fire safety. A PEEP is appropriate where a tenant’s needs affect safe evacuation; landlords should assess requests individually.
- What if my landlord refuses to create a PEEP?
- If a landlord refuses, raise the issue in writing, contact local fire or council authorities about safety risks, and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for unresolved housing safety disputes.[2]
- What evidence should I provide when asking for a PEEP?
- Provide a clear statement of your needs, any supporting medical letters if available, details of mobility aids, and photos or descriptions of staircases or door widths that affect evacuation plans.
How-To
- Describe your evacuation needs in writing and send the request to your landlord or agent.
- Ask for a written timeline for preparing the PEEP and for a review date.
- Agree the PEEP content, who will assist you and where the master copy will be stored.
- If the landlord does not respond, contact local fire and rescue or environmental health for advice.
- If unresolved, gather your records and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Key Takeaways
- PEEPs are practical safety plans tailored to individual needs and building layout.
- Ask for a written PEEP, keep copies of all requests and responses, and agree review dates.
- If disagreements persist, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can consider housing safety disputes.
