Fire risk assessment

A fire risk assessment is a structured safety review of a property to identify fire hazards, who could be at risk, and what measures are needed to reduce the chances of a fire and protect occupants (tenants) if one occurs. In England it is a legal requirement for the common parts of blocks of flats and HMOs, and, in practice, forms part of keeping any rented home safe and fit for human habitation.

From a landlord’s perspective, a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment will usually:

Look at ignition sources, escape routes, doors, alarms, detectors and emergency lighting (where relevant).
Consider vulnerable occupants and layout (e.g. multi-storey, inner rooms, single vs multiple households).
Lead to an action plan, for example, installing or upgrading smoke alarms, fire doors, signage, emergency lighting, or improving compartmentation.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, fire safety is central to rental standards and enforcement. Local housing authorities, the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman and, where relevant, fire and rescue services will expect landlords to be able to produce and act on a fire risk assessment, especially for HMOs, flats and higher risk buildings.

You should review the assessment periodically, after any significant changes, and keep written records of findings, remedial works and testing regimes. This can be hosted in the document feature of August App.

Also see our landlord blog articles, a number of these are about property and tenant safety: