Fire Risk Assessments for Flats

Do you need a fire risk assessment for flats?

Yes, in England and Wales, all flats and large houses in multiple occupations (HMOs) are legally required to conduct fire risk assessments under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (and equivalent legislation in Scotland).

The law states that fire risk assessments must be ‘suitable and sufficient’ for the building. Although this is a bit vague, it essentially means you shouldn’t be taking a one size fits all approach when it comes to fire safety, and the assessment must be suitable to your specific building. 

Do landlords need to provide a fire risk assessment?

Yes, as a landlord you are legally required to carry out fire risk assessments for your rental properties and more often than not, you will be considered as the Responsible Person. 

As the Responsible Person, you would be accountable for:

• Assessing the property’s structure, external walls and common areas

• Assessing all doors that lead to escape routes and shared areas

• Assessing smoke and fire detectors, as well as ensuring they are well maintained

If you are the landlord, but you do not feel comfortable conducting the fire risk assessment yourself, our team at Lanahan Risk Management Services can help. Our fire risk assessment services are comprehensive and we will always ensure your building is legally compliant and safe for all your residents.  

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How fire risk assessments for flats work

In a block of flats, a fire risk assessment will cover all of the shared parts of the building.

Shared areas of flats include:

As the Responsible Person, you should also conduct a detailed examination of the property, focusing on 5 key areas:

1. Identify fire hazards - You should identify any potential fire hazards and sources of ignition. You should survey the entire building and establish any potential risks such as faulty wiring, flammable materials, electrical equipment and waste materials. When you’re trying to identify fire hazards, you should ask yourself what sources could catch fire easily and burn if there’s anything that could generate a spark. 
   
   
2. Understand who is at risk - The risks associated with a fire are likely to be greater for certain types of people who live on your property. This is why it is essential to take the time to establish who they are and what measures need to be put in place to support them. For example, some of your tenants may have mobility issues and live in higher rise flats.
   
   
3. Take action - By taking action, it means to implement your fire risk plan. You will need to decide what type of fire safety equipment your business needs to avoid any associated risks on your property. There are several legal fire safety requirements for flats, particularly in the communal areas, such as fire-resistant doors, emergency lighting and clear signage where needed. Failing to comply with these can lead to serious legal consequences. Equipment like smoke alarms, fire blankets and extinguishers may be required depending on the building type and fire risk assessment.
   
   
4. Record, plan and train - Training is a key part of fire safety in blocks of flats, especially where staff are employed or residents may need support. Anyone with fire safety responsibilities, such as concierges, building managers or cleaners, should be trained in emergency procedures, raising the alarm, using fire-fighting equipment (if appropriate), and understanding the building’s evacuation or 'stay put' strategy. While tenants don’t require formal training, they should be made aware of the fire strategy and what to do in an emergency. Clear communication can save lives.
   
   
5. Regularly review the progress - Once you have created your fire risk assessment, you should regularly review it to identify any changes in risks and update the procedures accordingly. 
   
   

This involves running maintenance checks, replacing faulty equipment, training new staff members and addressing any new hazards.

For more information on what to include in your fire risk assessment, take a look at our fire safety risk assessment checklist.

Protect your Flats with a Fire Risk Assessment

At Lanahan Risk Management Services, we have numerous years of experience working with a range of different property owners and we are always committed to developing a tailored risk assessment strategy that fits your specific type of building needs, including flat owners.

We know fire risk management can be overwhelming, which is why we always take a practical approach that focuses on mitigating risks without hindering your business operations or the day-to-day lives of your tenants.

If you think your business could benefit from external help with its fire risk assessment, feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can help you. 

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