What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Involve for Landlords in the UK?

9th October 2025

As a landlord in the UK, ensuring your rental property is safe from fire risks isn’t just good practice; it’s the law. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, landlords and managing agents are legally required to carry out fire risk assessments and take action to reduce risks. But what does a fire risk assessment actually involve, and what should landlords expect from the process?

In this blog, we’ll break down the key steps of a fire risk assessment, why it’s essential for compliance, and how Fire Stoppers can help landlords across Nottingham and the East Midlands stay on top of their responsibilities.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a systematic review of a property to identify fire hazards, assess who might be at risk, and evaluate whether the existing precautions are adequate. It looks at both the physical aspects of the building and how it’s used by tenants.

The aim is simple: to make sure the risk of fire starting is as low as possible, and that if a fire does break out, people can escape safely.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

If you own or manage a rental property, you are the “responsible person” under UK fire safety law. This applies whether you let out a single flat, manage an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), or oversee larger residential or commercial buildings.

Landlords must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out regularly, and that it is updated whenever circumstances change (for example, after renovations or changes in occupancy).

What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Involve?

A qualified fire risk assessor will usually follow a structured process to review the property. The main steps are:

1. Identifying Fire Hazards

Sources of ignition (heaters, cookers, electrical equipment).
Sources of fuel (furniture, rubbish, flammable materials).
Sources of oxygen (open windows, ventilation systems).

2. Identifying People at Risk

Tenants living in the property.
Visitors, contractors, or staff (for HMOs and mixed-use buildings).
Vulnerable individuals who may need extra support to escape.

3. Evaluating Current Fire Safety Measures

Are fire doors, alarms, and extinguishers in place and working?
Are escape routes clear and easy to use?
Is emergency lighting adequate?
Is fire signage visible and up to standard?

4. Recording Findings and Making Recommendations

The assessor will create a written report that highlights risks and suggests improvements. For landlords, this might include installing fire doors, upgrading alarms, or removing hazards.

5. Creating an Action Plan

The assessment doesn’t stop at identifying issues. It should set out practical steps to fix them, with timelines and clear responsibilities.

6. Reviewing and Updating

A fire risk assessment is not a one-off job. It must be reviewed regularly, typically every 12 months, or sooner if the property changes.

Why Fire Risk Assessments Matter for Landlords

Failing to carry out a suitable fire risk assessment can have serious consequences. Landlords risk fines, invalidated insurance, or even prosecution if tenants are put at risk. More importantly, proper assessments save lives.

For landlords, the benefits include:

Legal compliance - Meeting your obligations under UK fire safety law.
Tenant safety - Protecting those who live in your property.
Peace of mind - Knowing risks have been properly assessed and managed.
Insurance support - Many insurers require up-to-date assessments.

Why Choose Fire Stoppers?

At Fire Stoppers, we are BAFE-accredited fire risk assessors, meaning our work is independently certified to meet the highest standards. We specialise in helping landlords, estate agents, and property managers across Nottingham and within a 30-mile radius.

Our team provides:

Thorough, professional fire risk assessments.
Clear, easy-to-understand reports.
Practical recommendations tailored to your property.
Ongoing support to keep you compliant year after year.

Final Thoughts

A fire risk assessment is more than just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a legal requirement and a vital step in keeping tenants safe. By understanding what’s involved, landlords can take proactive steps to reduce risk and stay compliant.

If you’re a landlord in Nottingham or the surrounding areas, Fire Stoppers can carry out your fire risk assessment and guide you through every step of the process.