Guide
Fire Risk Assessment Legal Requirements
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 practical overview of fire risk assessment duties for UK non-domestic and common-part premises.
Direct answer
In England and Wales, fire risk assessment duties commonly arise under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for workplaces, non-domestic premises and common parts of multi-occupied residential buildings.
Key takeaways
- Duties depend on premises, control and legal framework.
- England, Scotland and Northern Ireland do not all use the same rules.
- The website provides guidance, not legal advice.
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.
Who the duty can apply to
A responsible person may be an employer, owner, landlord, occupier, managing agent or another person with control of premises. More than one person can have duties.
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
Is Fire Risk Experts legal advice?
No. The site provides general guidance and lead-generation introductions only.
Who is the responsible person?
It is commonly an employer, owner, landlord, occupier, managing agent or another person with control.
Need a quote?
Send the practical details and we will review the enquiry for suitable provider matching.
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Fire Risk Assessments
Arrange a fire risk assessment enquiry for review and provider matching.
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.