How Often Should You Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment in London? The Truth for UK Law in 2026

Fire safety standards in London are more rigorous than most landlords and managing agents appreciate. Every month, properties in London fall foul of inspection or enforcement action simply because their owners have followed out-of-date or misleading fire safety advice.

As a London property owner, manager, or renter, these five myths concerning fire safety might very well threaten lives, rental income, or even your statutory compliance.

Myth 1: “My property is too small to need a Fire Risk Assessment”

Truth:
In London, size does not remove responsibility.

If your building contains communal spaces such as shared corridors, stairs, entrance ways, or bin rooms, a Fire Risk Assessment will be necessary, no matter whether you have a small apartment block, an HMO, or a mixed-use building.

In many cases in London, landlords have found themselves liable for thinking that only bigger buildings require an assessment.

Myth 2: “Smoke alarms mean I am fire-safe”

Truth:
Smoke alarms are only one part of fire safety.

A Fire Risk Assessment in London must assess:
 

• Fire hazards and ignition sources
• Escape Routes And Final Exits
• Fire doors and compartment
• Emergency lights and signs
• Fire Safety Management and Records

A written assessment prevents reliance solely on alarm systems for safety.

Myth 3: “Fire safety laws are only for commercial properties”

Truth:
Fire safety law applies to many residential buildings in London, including:

• HMOs
• Blocks of flats
• Buildings with shared or communal areas

Landlords and managing agents are classed as the Responsible Person and must manage fire risks properly regardless of whether the property is residential or commercial.

Myth 4: “Once done, a Fire Risk Assessment never needs updating”

Truth:
Fire Risk Assessments must be reviewed regularly.

In London, assessments should be reviewed:

• Annually (best practice)
• After refurbishments or layout changes
• When occupancy or use changes
• When new risks are identified

Outdated assessments are one of the most common compliance failures we see across London.

Myth 5: “I can do my own Fire Risk Assessment”

Truth:
Unless you are a trained and competent fire safety professional, DIY assessments often miss serious risks.

Poor assessments:

• Fail council or fire authority inspections
• Offer no protection with insurers
• Leave landlords personally exposed

Professional assessments provide evidence of compliance, not assumptions.

Why This Matters for London Property Owners

London has some of the toughest fire safety enforcement in the UK. A missing or inadequate Fire Risk Assessment can lead to:

• Enforcement notices and fines
• Invalid insurance cover
• Letting delays and lost income
• Serious legal consequences if a fire occurs

Fire safety is not paperwork, it is risk protection for your property and tenants.

Fire Risk Assessment Services in London

Safety Spectrum London provides professional Fire Risk Assessments across all London boroughs for:

• Landlords
• Property managers
• Letting agents
• Residential and commercial buildings

Clear reports, practical recommendations, and fast turnaround all fully compliant with UK fire safety requirements.

Call: +44 20 4628 6504
Email: info@safetyspectrumlondon.co.uk
Address: 14 Sebert Road, London, E7 0NQ

Book your Fire Risk Assessment in London today and stay compliant with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are all landlords in London required to have a Fire Risk Assessment?
While not a requirement for all private apartments, where your premises have communal spaces or are an HMO or apartment building, a Fire Risk Assessment will likely be mandatory in these communal areas.

How frequently should a Fire Risk Assessment be updated in London?
The recommended time to conduct this assessment is yearly or when modifications have occurred in the building, occupancy type, configuration, or potential dangers.

Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement in London?
However, under UK fire safety regulation, it is an obligation of the Responsible Person to assess and control fire-risk in relevant properties.

Can I be fined if I do not have a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes. Failure to undertake assessment work can mean enforcement notices, fines, or court action, especially following an inspection.

In a Fire Risk Assessment, are fire doors and emergency lights considered?
Yes. A good assessment will check fire doors, escape routes, emergency lighting, signs, and fire safety management in general.

How Long Will a Fire Risk Assessment Take?
Depending on the size and complexity of the asset, most domestic valuations in London will take 1–3 hours.