Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for virtually all non-domestic premises and the communal areas of residential buildings. The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 extended these duties to cover external walls, flat entrance doors and additional responsibilities in multi-occupied buildings. The ‘responsible person’ — whether landlord, employer or managing agent — must ensure a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out, recorded in writing and kept up to date. Failure to comply can result in prosecution, fines or closure.