Fire Risk Assessment Checklist for Landlords and Property Managers
Landlords, managing agents and property managers can have important fire-safety responsibilities. A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment helps identify hazards, people at risk and the precautions required to keep premises safe.
This practical checklist highlights key areas to consider. It is not a substitute for a site-specific fire risk assessment.
1. Confirm Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety
Identify the Responsible Person or Responsible Persons for the premises. Responsibilities can be shared where different parties control different areas or fire-safety measures.
2. Check the Fire Risk Assessment Is Current
Confirm that an appropriate fire risk assessment exists and reflects the building as it is currently occupied and managed. It should be reviewed when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or following significant changes.
3. Identify People Who May Be at Greater Risk
Consider residents, employees, contractors, visitors and anyone who may require additional assistance in an emergency. The assessment should reflect the actual occupants and use of the premises.
4. Inspect Escape Routes and Exits
Escape routes should remain available and suitable. Check for obstructions, inappropriate storage, alterations, locked or difficult-to-open exits and anything else that could hinder evacuation.
5. Check Fire Doors
Fire doors are an important part of passive fire protection. Look for visible damage, defective self-closing devices, inappropriate alterations, damaged seals and other defects. Where a detailed assessment is required, arrange a competent fire door inspection.
6. Review Fire Detection and Warning
Confirm that the fire detection and alarm arrangements remain appropriate for the premises and are subject to suitable testing and maintenance.
7. Check Emergency Lighting
Where emergency lighting is required, ensure it is appropriately maintained and tested so escape routes can remain identifiable if the normal lighting supply fails.
8. Review Firefighting Equipment
Where extinguishers or other firefighting equipment are provided, check that they remain appropriately located, accessible and maintained.
9. Look at Compartmentation
Walls, floors, ceilings and fire-resisting construction can help limit fire and smoke spread. Refurbishment, new services and penetrations through fire-resisting construction should be considered carefully.
10. Check Signage and Fire-Safety Information
Review whether appropriate fire-safety signs, instructions and information are provided and remain clear and relevant.
11. Review Electrical and Ignition Risks
Consider electrical equipment, charging arrangements, heating equipment, cooking facilities, smoking controls and other potential ignition sources relevant to the property.
12. Control Combustible Materials
Review waste, storage, furnishings and other combustible materials. Particular attention should be given to escape routes, communal areas and locations close to ignition sources.
13. Consider Contractors and Building Work
Maintenance and refurbishment can introduce temporary fire risks or affect existing precautions. Consider hot works, blocked escape routes, disabled detection, penetrations through fire-resisting construction and changes to fire doors.
14. Keep Fire-Safety Records
Maintain appropriate records of the fire risk assessment, reviews, testing, maintenance, training, inspections and remedial actions applicable to the premises.
15. Act on Significant Findings
A fire risk assessment is only useful when identified actions are properly managed. Prioritise significant risks, assign responsibility and monitor remedial work through to completion.
Fire Safety for Blocks of Flats and Residential Buildings
Residential buildings can have additional requirements depending on their design, height, occupancy and applicable legislation. Communal areas, flat entrance doors, compartmentation, evacuation arrangements and information provided to residents may all require consideration.
When Should Landlords Review a Fire Risk Assessment?
Reviews should not simply wait for an arbitrary anniversary date. Consider a review following significant alterations, changes in occupancy or use, fire-safety defects, a fire or near miss, or whenever there is reason to believe the existing assessment is no longer valid.
Professional Fire Risk Assessments for Landlords and Property Managers
SJ Fire Safety Consultants provides professional Fire Risk Assessments and Fire Door Inspections for landlords, managing agents, property-management companies, HMOs, blocks of flats, supported-living providers, care providers and commercial organisations.
Our reports provide clear findings and practical recommendations to help Responsible Persons understand identified risks and required actions.
Telephone: 0330 301 0255
Email: admin@sjfiresafetyconsultants.co.uk
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do landlords need a fire risk assessment?
The legal requirements depend on the premises and circumstances. The Fire Safety Order applies to relevant premises and can apply to common parts of residential buildings containing two or more domestic premises.
How often should a landlord review a fire risk assessment?
The assessment should be kept under review and updated where necessary, including where significant changes occur or there is reason to believe it is no longer valid.
Should fire doors be included in the assessment?
Fire doors and the protection they provide to escape routes and compartments can form an important part of the assessment. A separate detailed fire door inspection may also be appropriate.
Can a managing agent arrange the assessment?
Yes, but the specific legal responsibilities of each party depend on their role and degree of control over the premises.