Fire Risk Assessments in London Are Not Optional They Are Enforced by Law in London

What Every London Business Owner and Landlord Needs to Do Right Now

Fire safety compliance is one of the legal duties that landlords, letting agents, and business owners in London don’t understand very well.

Many people who own property think that putting in smoke alarms or using an old fire risk assessment is “good enough.” In fact, UK fire safety laws make it clear that the person in charge has a legal duty to find, manage, and lower fire risks in their building.

The London Fire Brigade and local councils have been enforcing the rules much more strictly in the last few years, and people are expected to follow them much more strictly than they were even a few years ago.

UK law makes it very clear what the consequences are for getting fire safety wrong:
Fire authorities can issue enforcement or prohibition notices.
The courts can give out unlimited fines.
Insurance policies being cancelled or not accepted
And in the worst cases, they could be charged with a crime and sent to jail.
It’s no longer a grey area when it comes to fire safety; it’s a clear legal duty.

Fire Safety Law in London: What the Law Actually Requires

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is:

Carried out
Properly recorded
Regularly reviewed

This duty applies to:

Commercial premises
HMOs
Communal areas of residential buildings and blocks of flats

Fire safety responsibilities were further strengthened by the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which clarified and expanded legal duties — particularly in relation to:

Fire doors (including flat entrance doors)
External walls and building structure
Means of escape
Fire detection and warning systems

These changes mean responsible persons must now actively demonstrate compliance, not simply claim it.

All guidance, enforcement standards, and compliance expectations are issued by the UK Government and apply fully to properties operating across London.

The Real Problem: Fire Risk Is Deeper (and Riskier) Than Most People Realise

Most of the time, landlords or business owners don’t break the fire safety rules on purpose. The law is complicated, always changing, and not always well explained, which is why they happen.

Common fire safety failures we regularly see across London include:
Fire risk assessments that are out of date or too general
Reports that don’t have a clear or prioritised plan of action
Never properly checked fire doors, alarms, and escape routes
“Cheap” assessments that don’t meet the standards set by the law or the council

Since recent changes to the law, responsible people must not only have a fire risk assessment, but they must also show that it is appropriate, adequate, and reviewed on a regular basis.

If something goes wrong, saying “I didn’t know” is no longer a good excuse.

Why Fire Safety Non-Compliance Is a Serious Business Risk

Fire safety compliance is not a tick-box exercise.

Failure to meet your legal duties in London can result in:

The London Fire Brigade took action to enforce the law.
Notices of prohibition or change
Fines with no limits
Prosecution and jail time in serious cases
Claims for insurance being turned down
You could be personally liable if tenants, staff, or visitors are hurt.

A fire risk assessment is now seen as a very important legal document for landlords and businesses, not just paperwork.

You are legally exposed if your assessment is missing, not good enough, or out of date.

The Solution: A Proper Fire Risk Assessment That Actually Protects You

A compliant fire risk assessment must do more than satisfy minimum requirements. It should:

Find out what real fire hazards are in your building.
Check how safe it is for people who live there, visitors, and people who are weak.
Check the fire alarms, emergency lights, fire doors and escape routes.
Give clear, prioritised steps with realistic time frames
Be able to stand up to questions from councils, insurers, and fire departments

When carried out correctly, a fire risk assessment:

Protects lives
Protects your property investment
Protects you from legal and financial risk

The most important factor is who carries out the assessment — and how thorough it is.

Why Safety Spectrum London Is the Smarter Choice

Not every fire risk assessment in London is the same. Many providers put speed and price ahead of compliance.

Our method at Safety Spectrum London is based on being legally correct, being responsible as a professional, and following the rules in the real world.

What sets us apart:

Fire safety experts who have been certified by NEBOSH, IFSM, and BAFE
Fire risk assessments aligned with current UK fire legislation
Fast turnaround without cutting corners
Pictorial, evidence-based reports that clearly demonstrate compliance
Clear, prioritised action plans — not vague recommendations
Remedial solutions are available to fix problems quickly.
Prices that are clear and have no hidden fees
Ongoing help with compliance for landlords and property managers

Our clients don’t just get a report; they also get clarity, confidence, and legal protection.

Don’t Wait for Enforcement Action to Force Your Hand

A lot of landlords and businesses only ask for help after they get a letter from the council or the fire department. At that point, time is running out and the risk is already high.

The smarter approach:
✔ Act before enforcement
✔ Address issues early
✔ Stay compliant year-round

Fire safety in London isn’t optional anymore it is the law.

Book Your Fire Risk Assessment in London Today

If you’re unsure whether your current fire risk assessment is compliant — or you don’t have one at all now is the time to act.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (Fire Risk Assessments – London)

Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement in London?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 says that almost all non-domestic buildings in London, like commercial buildings, HMOs, and shared areas of residential blocks, must have a fire risk assessment.

Who is responsible for arranging a fire risk assessment?

The Responsible Person is in charge of this, and they could be a landlord or freeholder.

A letting or managing agent
A person who owns a business or works for one
You are legally responsible if you are in charge of or control the property

How often does a fire risk assessment need to be reviewed?

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed:

At least annually
After structural or layout changes
After a fire or near-miss
When occupancy or building use changes

Councils expect documented evidence of reviews.

What happens if I don’t have a fire risk assessment?

If someone gets hurt or dies, you could get enforcement notices, unlimited fines, prosecution, invalidated insurance, and personal legal liability.

What makes a fire risk assessment “suitable and sufficient”?

It must find hazards, figure out how likely they are to happen, check important fire safety systems, have clear actions, and be done by a qualified assessor. Generic reports often don’t pass inspection.

Can I carry out my own fire risk assessment?

Only in very small, low-risk buildings. Most properties in London need a professional assessor, especially when it comes to insurance or enforcement.

How long does a fire risk assessment take?

Most inspections last between 45 minutes and a few hours. Usually, reports come out within 24 to 72 hours.

How quickly can I book?

In London, you can usually get an appointment on the same day or the next day, even for urgent cases.