Guide
Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
By Fire Risk Experts editorial team. Reviewed by Fire safety editorial reviewer. Last reviewed: 19 July 2026. Last updated: 19 July 2026. Next review: 19 January 2027.
A guide for deciding whether your premises may need a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
Direct answer
You may need a fire risk assessment if you control a workplace, non-domestic premises, premises with paying guests or communal parts of multi-occupied residential property.
Key takeaways
- Most workplaces and non-domestic premises are in scope.
- Common parts of residential blocks are commonly in scope.
- Duties depend on control and legal framework.
Fire Risk Assessments pillar
This guide is part of the Fire Risk Assessments pillar. Use it alongside related guidance and property-specific pages when preparing an enquiry.
What to prepare
- Property address, postcode, use and occupancy details.
- Existing fire risk assessment and action plan, if available.
- Fire alarm, emergency lighting, extinguisher and fire-door records where held.
- Information about sleeping accommodation, vulnerable occupants or unusual risks.
Sources
- Fire safety in the workplace, GOV.UK. Accessed 2026-07-19. Responsibilities for employers, owners, landlords, occupiers and others with control of non-domestic premises.
- Fire safety: guidance for those with legal duties, Home Office. Accessed 2026-07-19. Collection of fire safety law and guidance for responsible persons.
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, legislation.gov.uk. Accessed 2026-07-19. Primary legislation for general fire safety duties in England and Wales.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the responsible person?
It is commonly an employer, owner, landlord, occupier, managing agent or another person with control.
Is Fire Risk Experts legal advice?
No. The site provides general guidance and lead-generation introductions only.
Need a quote?
Send the practical details and we will review the enquiry for suitable provider matching.
Related content
guide
Who Is Responsible for a Fire Risk Assessment?
How to think about responsible person duties across employers, landlords, managing agents and shared premises.
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Fire Risk Assessment Legal Requirements
A practical overview of fire risk assessment duties for UK non-domestic and common-part premises.
guide
Fire Risk Assessment for Small Businesses
Practical guidance for small UK businesses arranging a fire risk assessment.
service
Find an Assessor
Submit practical premises details and consent for provider matching.
Next step
Need help arranging an assessment?
Book online when the scope, price and fulfilment route are clear, or request a tailored quote where professional scoping is needed.
An assessor is not treated as appointed until they accept the assignment.