Fire doors are a key part of the fire strategy in blocks of flats because they help protect common escape routes and limit the movement of fire and smoke between areas of the building.
Which fire doors are covered by fire safety legislation?
The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified the scope of the Fire Safety Order for multi-occupied residential buildings. It makes clear that the Order applies to the building’s structure and external walls and to individual flat entrance doors between domestic premises and the common parts.
You can read the government’s Fire Safety Act 2021 information for further detail.
What are the specific routine-check requirements?
In England, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduce specific fire-door duties for buildings with two or more domestic premises.
Where the top storey is more than 11 metres above ground, the Responsible Person must:
- check communal fire doors at least every three months; and
- use best endeavours to check flat entrance fire doors at least every 12 months.
The regulations also require fire-safety information about doors to be provided to residents in all relevant multi-occupied residential buildings with common parts.
Does an older fire door automatically need replacing?
No. Updated government guidance makes an important distinction between existing doors and the standards required for new doors. An existing flat entrance door is not automatically unsuitable simply because it lacks modern certification or components found on newly manufactured doors. Its adequacy should be considered in the context of the fire risk assessment, its condition and its ability to provide appropriate protection.
This is one reason why indiscriminate replacement programmes can be inappropriate. The 2025-updated government fire door guidance explains this point in detail.
What about small blocks?
The Home Office also publishes specific guidance for small blocks of flats, helping Responsible Persons understand fire safety duties for the common parts, structure, external walls and relevant doors.
Professional inspections and the fire risk assessment
Routine checks are valuable, but they are not the same as a detailed fire door inspection or the assessment of fire doors within a wider fire risk assessment. Where defects, uncertainty or higher risk exists, competent professional advice can help the Responsible Person decide what remedial action is proportionate.
Further reading: For a full overview of inspection scope, routine checks, common defects, reporting and current residential requirements, see our Complete UK Fire Door Inspection Guide.
Need professional support?
SJ Fire Safety Consultants provides independent fire door inspection service with clear, practical reporting and nationwide support. Learn more about our Fire Door Inspection service or contact us to arrange an inspection.
Explore more guidance: Visit our Fire Safety Articles & Guidance hub for further practical advice.