Residential Fire Risk Assessment

A residential fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of a dwelling or residential building to identify fire hazards, assess who could be at risk, and determine whether existing fire safety measures are adequate to protect occupants.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, landlords and other responsible persons must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out for any residential premises with communal areas. Even for single-let properties, an assessment is considered best practice and is often required by insurers, licensing authorities and local housing standards.

Our qualified assessors inspect the property, identify hazards and produce a clear written report with prioritised recommendations — giving you a practical action plan to protect your tenants and comply with fire safety law.

HMOs require careful consideration because several occupants may share kitchens, hallways, staircases and escape routes. The assessment must reflect the building layout, number of occupants, management arrangements and the fire precautions already provided.

Our HMO Fire Risk Assessments examine relevant matters such as means of escape, fire doors, fire separation, smoke and heat detection, emergency lighting, signage and the management of shared areas. The resulting report identifies significant findings and provides clear, prioritised recommendations for the landlord, managing agent or responsible person.

• Licensed and licensable HMOs
• Shared houses and multi-occupied properties
• Converted buildings with shared facilities
• Escape routes and protected stairways
• Fire doors, detection and emergency lighting
• Practical recommendations for landlords and managers

Supported living accommodation requires an assessment that considers both the fire precautions within the building and the needs of the people who live there. Residents may have different levels of mobility, understanding or ability to respond independently during an emergency.

Our assessment considers the premises, occupancy, staffing arrangements, means of escape, fire detection, fire doors, emergency lighting and the support that may be required during an evacuation. Recommendations are presented clearly so providers, landlords and property managers can understand the actions that should be prioritised.

• Shared supported accommodation
• Self-contained supported living units
• Residents who may require evacuation assistance
• Staffing and management arrangements
• Fire detection, doors and escape routes
• Clear and proportionate action plans

Holiday lets and Airbnb properties present different considerations from an ordinary long-term home. Guests change frequently, may be unfamiliar with the layout and may not know how to leave the building quickly during an emergency.

Our assessment considers escape routes, final exits, smoke and heat detection, fire doors where relevant, emergency information, cooking risks and the arrangements provided for guests. The report gives owners and hosts practical recommendations that reflect the property, its use and its occupancy.

• Holiday cottages and short-term lets
• Airbnb and serviced accommodation
• Flats, houses and maisonettes used for guests
• Guest escape information
• Smoke and heat detection
• Practical recommendations for owners and hosts