Can I let people sleep in a building under construction?

No. It is essential that no one sleeps within a building under construction or refurbishment because suitable fire precautions will not be in place and in the event of a fire the rescue services would not assume occupancy and therefore not carry out a search and rescue.

In limited circumstances, purpose built sleeping accommodation may be provided on site with adequate separation distances from the building under construction. These will require a specific fire risk assessment to identify the fire precautions that will be required. Purpose built sleeping accommodation should include a flushing toilet, a sink and shower both with hot and cold (or warm) running water. There should be a nearby separate area where meals can be prepared & eaten including a means to boil water

Further guidance can be found in Fire safety risk assessments-sleeping accommodation Department for Communities and Local Government 2006(ISBN 978 18511 2817 4).