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

Fire safety is not only a requirement but an important responsibility where lives, properties, and businesses are protected. However, most owners and landlords in London are not clear on one important question:

How often should a fire risk assessment be done?

As fire safety regulation continues to change in the UK, most notably in densely populated regions such as London, it is important to understand your responsibilities under the law. In this article, you will learn how frequently you require a fire risk assessment, who is liable for this, existing legislation in the UK in 2026, cost, and where to begin with a reliable provider in London.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a systematic analysis of a building carried out to detect possible fire dangers and take necessary steps to make it safe against the dangers of a fire. A fire risk assessment is mandatory in the UK in most non-domestic properties and dwellings with shared spaces.

As a landlord in a commercial office, apartment, or apartment block, your first step towards ensuring Fire Safety and fulfilling your obligations under the law will be a Fire Risk Assessment.Who Is Responsible for Completing a Fire Risk Assessment?

Under the terms of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the “responsible person” who can be held liable for maintaining updated fire risk assessments. They can be:
Landlords & property managers

Business owners and employers

Facilities or building managers

Housing or managing agents of HMOs

As a landlord in London, you have to conduct a landlord fire risk assessment on any property you rent out, whether it is a dwelling house, a flat, or an HMO, especially if it’s an address with shared communal space.

How Often Do You Need to Perform a Fire Risk Assessment?

While UK law does not specify a time span, it says these assessments must be reviewed “regularly” and when any changes have occurred in the building or risk. Industry guidance and Fire Safety Professionals recommend:

When To Review Or Update Your Assessment:

• After renovations or layout changes
• If function/core/business/use/occupancy of or in the building is
• After a fire incident or a near miss
• Annually for high-risk or multi-tenant properties
• Every 1–2 years as a minimum standard for residential buildings with common spaces

Recommended Frequency by Property Type:

By staying proactive, especially in busy urban areas like London, you reduce legal risks and enhance the safety of your tenants and staff.

Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement in the UK?

Yes a fire risk assessment is a legal obligation under the Fire Safety Order 2005 and the Fire Safety Act 2021, which now applies to all buildings with more than one residential unit, including flats and HMOs.

Failure to comply can lead to:

• Enforcement notices
• Heavy fines
• Legal action or imprisonment
• Invalidation of insurance

Documenting your fire risk assessment in a report and keeping it up to date shows your compliance. While not mandatory, having a fire risk assessment certificate is highly advisable.

Fire Risk Assessment Cost in London: Transparent And Affordable Pricing

At Safety Spectrum London, we provide cost-effective fire risk assessments in London without compromising safety or quality.

Whether you’re a residential landlord or a commercial property manager, our pricing is tailored to your property type:

Commercial Fire Risk Assessment (CFRA) Cost:

Residential Fire Risk Assessment (RFRA) Cost:

What is Included in a Fire Risk Assessment Report?

Our assessments are fully compliant with UK fire safety requirements and include:

• Fire hazard identification
• Risk evaluation
• Fire escape routes and evacuation plan review
• Fire alarm and extinguisher checks
• Recommendations to reduce fire risk
• High-quality photographic documentation
• Full report with actionable steps

We also issue a fire risk assessment certificate upon request, which helps prove compliance to tenants, insurers, and authorities.

Fire Risk Assessment Services in London You Can Trust

Looking for a fire risk assessment near me in London? Safety Spectrum London offers reliable, accredited, and cost-effective assessments tailored to your needs — residential or commercial.

We specialise in:

• Commercial fire risk assessments
• Residential risk assessments for landlords
• Fire risk assessments for flats and HMOs
• Communal area assessments
• Ongoing fire safety compliance support

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failing to conduct or update your fire risk assessment can lead to:

• Fines of up to £5,000 for minor breaches
• Unlimited fines or up to 2 years in prison for serious offenses
• Reputational damage
• Property insurance claims being denied
• Legal claims from tenants

📞 Book Your Fire Risk Assessment Today

Don’t wait until there’s a legal issue or emergency to take action. Keep your property safe and fully compliant with London’s fire safety regulations by booking a professional fire risk assessment today.

Contact Safety Spectrum London:

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

🔵 Book Online or ⚪ Call Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a fire risk assessment take?
This largely depends on the scale and complexity of the space. A small domestic flat can be scanned in 1 to 2 hours, but a large commercial space can take a few hours.

Do I need a fire risk assessment in my flat?
Yes – if your flat is in an apartment building with common areas such as corridors and/or stairways, a risk assessment for fire safety is mandatory.

Can I complete a fire risk assessment myself?
Only if you are considered a “competent person” with adequate knowledge of fire safety. This is because most landlords will want to hire a certified professional.

How much does a Fire Risk Assessment cost in London?
The cost starts at £79 for a studio unit, with larger commercial buildings costing £299. Whole-building quotes are given on a case-by-case basis.

How frequently ought landlords to update their fire risk assessment?
Annually is recommended, or immediately following any major change in the dwelling or occupancy.