Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?

Is a fire risk assessment legally required in the UK?

Yes. In the United Kingdom, having a fire risk assessment is a legal obligation. Any building that is not a private home must have an up to date assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This applies to people who own, rent or manage non domestic spaces. UK fire safety law is clear. If you break the rules, you could face fines, legal action or even imprisonment. Saying you did not know the rules is not a defence.

If you are a landlord in North West London, this applies directly to you. Landlord Building Certificates offers fire risk assessments that meet the legal standard for commercial and rental properties in the area.

Who is legally responsible for fire risk assessments?

The law calls the person in charge the “responsible person.” This could be a landlord, a business owner, an employer or a managing agent. If more than one person has control over a building, they share legal responsibility. Handing off the job to a fire risk assessor does not remove your duty. Everyone involved must know their role and make sure they meet the law. Delegating the task does not absolve anyone of their UK fire law duty. Learn more about how to assign duties through our fire risk responsibilities consultancy.

Which types of premises need a fire risk assessment?

UK law says a fire risk assessment is needed for many kinds of buildings. This includes:

• Offices, shops, restaurants and warehouses

• Communal areas in flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

• Schools, hospitals and hotels

• Salons, surgeries and co working spaces

• Empty or unoccupied buildings still under management

Homes that are lived in by one family and have no shared areas usually do not need one. But if part of the home is used by the public or shared with others, a mandatory fire assessment becomes a legal requirement. Ensure your building is covered with a comprehensive fire safety inspection.

If you operate property in places like Brent, Barnet or Camden, Landlord Building Certificates can carry out inspections to ensure your premises meet fire safety compliance.

What must be included in a fire risk assessment?

To follow the law, an assessment must be written down and kept up to date. It should cover:

• Fire hazards and people who might be at risk

• How to lower risks using safety controls

• Working fire alarms and detection systems

• Escape routes and clearly marked exits

• Signs and emergency plans

• Training for staff and named fire marshals

• Updates after changes to the building or who uses it

Many experts use PAS 79 as a guide to make sure the assessment is complete. Since October 2023, writing it down is now required by law under the written assessment rule. Need guidance? Our fire risk assessment service offers professional support for full fire plan compliance.

What legal changes affect fire risk assessments?

Important updates include:

• The Fire Safety Act 2021 now includes structural parts of buildings and flat doors

• The Building Safety Act 2022 puts more pressure on people in charge of high rise or shared buildings

• Since October 2023, every property must have a written assessment

These changes came after the Grenfell Inquiry and show a tighter legal approach to fire safety. Many organisations now use digital tools to track and store these records. Stay updated with our fire legislation compliance reviews to remain current on fire law updates UK.

What happens if you don’t comply with fire safety law?

If you do not follow fire safety rules, the penalties are serious:

• There is no limit to the amount you can be fined

• You could go to prison for up to two years

• Unsafe buildings may be closed down

• Your reputation or company brand could be harmed

Local councils, Fire Authorities and magistrates’ courts can take legal action. Avoid fire law fines UK and potential fire inspection fail issues with our fire safety legal audit service.

What steps can help you stay compliant?

To stay on the right side of the law:

• Bring in a BAFE certified fire risk assessor or qualified expert

• Record what is found and check it regularly

• Fix any problems that are spotted

• Train your staff and show emergency exit plans

• Make updates when your building or staff change

If your building is shared or complicated, expert advice helps you meet legal standards. Start with our UK fire compliance consultancy to get peace of mind.