Fire Risk Assessment Guide UK Homes¶

How to conduct a fire risk assessment for UK homes, HMOs and flats - identify hazards, document findings and implement safety measures.

The Five Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment¶

A fire risk assessment (FRA) is a legal requirement for non-domestic premises and the common parts of flats and HMOs. The five steps defined by the Home Office are: identify fire hazards (sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen), identify people at risk (residents, especially vulnerable), evaluate risks and implement precautions, record findings and create an emergency plan, and review the assessment regularly. For HMOs and flats, the FRA must be conducted by a competent person - either an internal assessor with sufficient training or a third-party accredited assessor (costing £150-£400). The fire risk assessment template is available from the UK Fire Service website. Key findings must be shared with residents and action items tracked to completion.

Common Findings and Remedial Actions¶

Typical FRA findings in UK flats include: missing or damaged self-closers on fire doors (£50-£150 to replace), inadequate smoke detection in common areas (£200-£500 per floor for a Grade A system), obstructed escape routes (free to clear), missing fire door signage (£5-£15 per sign), and expired fire extinguishers (£15-£30 each for replacement). Emergency lighting failure in communal corridors requires immediate attention - replacement LED emergency downlights cost £40-£80 each. Electrical testing (PAT and fixed wiring) must be up to date. Keep a fire safety logbook to record tests, inspections, and maintenance. For blocks over 18m, a fire safety case report is also required by the Building Safety Act 2022.

Specifications and Comparison¶

Risk Level	Example Finding	Remedial Action	Typical Cost
High	Fire door not self-closing	Replace closer or adjust hinges	£50-£150
High	No smoke detection in corridor	Install Grade A alarm system	£200-£500
Medium	Escape route cluttered	Clear and communicate to residents	Free
Low	Extinguisher gauge in red	Replace or service extinguisher	£15-£30

FAQ¶

Who can conduct a fire risk assessment for a UK block of flats?: A competent person - either an in-house assessor with formal fire safety training or a third-party accredited assessor (e.g. IFSM, BAFE registered).
How often must a fire risk assessment be reviewed?: Annually as a minimum. Review immediately after any significant changes to the building layout, occupancy, or fire safety equipment.
Is a fire risk assessment required for a single-family home?: No - individual owner-occupied homes are not subject to FRA requirements. However, rented HMOs and flats with shared areas must have one. For more information see our Landlord Fire Safety Responsibilities UK.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the UK Government Building Regulations.