Guide
Responsible Person Fire Safety Duties
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.
How responsible person duties can apply to employers, landlords, occupiers, managing agents and shared buildings.
Direct answer
Responsible person fire safety duties usually follow control of the premises, staff, visitors, shared areas or fire-safety arrangements.
Key takeaways
- Control of premises is central.
- More than one duty holder can exist.
- Documentation should make responsibilities clear.
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.
guide
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 Landlords
Guidance for commercial landlords and residential building managers.
Next step
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