Frequently Asked Questions

No. A communal FRA covers common areas only unless specifically instructed to include individual flats.

However, the assessor may request:

• Sight of one or two sample flat entrance doors

• Information about alarms inside flats (if linked systems exist)

One that is:

• Evidence-based

• Carried out by a competent person

• PAS 79-aligned

• Clearly written

• Contains a prioritised action plan

• Supported by photographs

A tick-box checklist is not considered “suitable and sufficient.”

Legally, yes — if you are competent.

However, competence means:

• Knowledge of fire behaviour

• Understanding of building fire safety

• Familiarity with British Standards

• Ability to identify hazards & evaluate risk

• Ability to produce a legally defensible report

Most landlords and businesses do not meet this threshold.

Common, recognised indicators of competence include:

• Formal FRA qualification (e.g., Level 3)

• Membership of IFSM, IFE, IFPO or similar bodies

• CPD in fire safety

• Experience with similar building types

• PAS 79–aligned reporting

All of our assessors meet these requirements.

A structured inspection of:

• Fire doors

• Frames

• Gaps

• Seals

• Closers

• Hardware

• Signage

• Damage

Fire doors must be kept in working order under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

As a guide:

• Communal fire doors: every 3 months

• Flat entrance doors: annually

• Commercial fire doors: as required by risk level

Some high-risk buildings require more frequent checks.

Yes, if your building has:

• Communal areas

• Internal escape routes

• Commercial escape routes

• Stairways

• Windowless rooms

• High-risk areas

Emergency lighting must meet BS 5266-1.

Most assessments take:

• 30–90 minutes for small buildings

• 1–3 hours for larger or complex buildings

Reports are normally delivered 3–7 days after inspection.

You will receive:

• Your full FRA report

• Photographic evidence

• A prioritised action plan

• Compliance recommendations

You must ensure actions are completed within reasonable timeframes.

Yes.

Our reports are:

• PAS 79–aligned

• Evidence-based

• Clearly structured

• Written by a qualified, IFSM Associate Assessor

This meets the requirements of insurers and mortgage lenders.

We provide professional Fire Risk Assessments across London and Hertfordshire, covering all major postcode regions including North London (N & EN), North-West London (NW), East London (E), West London (W), Central London (EC & WC) and Hertfordshire (AL, WD, SG, HP and CM).

Flat blocks require an FRA for all communal areas, including:

• Lobbies & corridors

• Stairwells

• Bin stores

• Electrical cupboards

• Fire doors

• Compartmentation

Yes. Flat entrance doors must be certified fire doors and must self-close properly, with compliant gaps, seals and hardware.

Residents must not:

• Obstruct escape routes

• Damage fire doors

• Store items in communal areas

• Disable alarms or closers

The Responsible Person still holds legal responsibility overall.

Yes. Shops, offices, warehouses, cafés, salons, industrial units and all workplaces must have an FRA under the Fire Safety Order.

No, a single private dwelling does not require an FRA under the Fire Safety Order.

However, HMOs always require an FRA.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary fire safety legislation in England and Wales. It places legal responsibility on the “Responsible Person” to carry out and maintain a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment and to implement appropriate fire safety measures. This applies to all non-domestic premises and the communal areas of residential buildings.

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarifies that the Fire Safety Order applies to the structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors of residential buildings containing multiple dwellings. This means landlords, freeholders, and managing agents must ensure these elements are included within their Fire Risk Assessments.