What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

As a landlord, one of your core responsibilities is to ensure the safety of your tenants—and fire safety is non-negotiable. Fires in rental properties can have catastrophic consequences, from injury and loss of life to prosecution, fines, and damage to your reputation.

A proper fire risk assessment helps you meet your legal duties and gives peace of mind that your property is protected.

A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for many rental properties. It’s a structured review of a building to:

• Identify fire hazards
• Evaluate the level of risk to tenants and visitors
• Put measures in place to reduce or eliminate those risks

If you own or manage residential flats, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), or converted buildings, this applies to you.

Do Landlords Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Yes—you are legally required to conduct fire risk assessments under:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
• The Housing Act 2004 (especially for HMOs)

These laws apply to the common parts of residential buildings—like stairwells, entrance halls, and shared corridors—and, in some cases, individual flats if the building is high-risk.

What Are You Responsible For?

As a landlord, your fire safety duties include:

✅ Ensuring escape routes are always accessible
✅ Installing and maintaining smoke alarms and fire detection systems
✅ Providing appropriate fire doors and fire-resistant materials
✅ Carrying out a regular fire risk assessment
✅ Acting on any hazards identified
✅ Ensuring emergency lighting and signage is present (where needed)
✅ Providing fire safety instructions to tenants (especially in high-rise or multi-occupied buildings)

What Should Be Included in Your Fire Risk Assessment?

A landlord’s fire risk assessment should cover:

1. Hazard Identification: Electrical faults, cooking appliances, furniture, cluttered exits.
2. People at Risk: Tenants with mobility issues, children, the elderly.
3. Risk Evaluation: How likely is a fire? What would the consequences be?
4. Preventive Actions: Installing alarms, fire doors, extinguishers, escape signage.
5. Recording & Review: Document the findings and review regularly or after major changes.

Common Mistakes Landlords Make

🚫 No formal fire risk assessment in place
🚫 Outdated or non-compliant fire doors
🚫 Smoke alarms not tested or maintained
🚫 Tenants not informed of escape plans
🚫 Poorly maintained communal areas or cluttered escape routes

These mistakes aren’t just risky—they could make you liable in court.

Should You Hire a Professional Assessor?

For most landlords—especially those with HMOs or converted buildings—yes.

A qualified fire risk assessor can:

• Accurately identify hazards and risks
• Help you meet your legal obligations
• Provide documentation that may protect you legally
• Recommend cost-effective improvements

Make sure they are competent, ideally with third-party accreditations.

How Often Should It Be Reviewed?

• At least annually
• After major changes (e.g., renovations, new tenants, or layout changes)
• After a fire incident or near miss
• If regulations change

Final Word for Landlords

Being a landlord comes with a long list of responsibilities—but few are more important than fire safety. A well-conducted fire risk assessment protects your property, your tenants, and your peace of mind. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about doing the right thing.

Need help with a fire risk assessment for your rental property? Our certified assessors can guide you every step of the way. Get in touch to book your professional evaluation today or visit us at https://www.firelux.io