Fire Risk Assessment FAQs for Commercial

We get asked a lot of the same questions by commercial landlords and property managers, often at the point where they've just taken on a new building or received an assessment they're not quite sure how to act on. Here are the ones that come up most.

Do I legally need a Fire Risk Assessment?

If you're the Responsible Person for a non-domestic building — meaning you own, manage, or have a degree of control over it — then yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes this a legal duty, not an optional best practice.

Who is the "Responsible Person" in a multi-let building?

It's often split. The landlord or managing agent is typically responsible for common parts — corridors, stairwells, shared entrances, plant rooms — while individual tenants are usually responsible for their own demised space. This split is one of the most common sources of confusion, and it's worth having it explicitly clarified rather than assumed.

How much does a Fire Risk Assessment cost?

It depends on the size, complexity, and use of the building — a small single-let office and a large mixed-use multi-let block are very different jobs. Rather than quoting a blanket figure, most competent assessors will want to understand your building first. Get in touch with details of your property and we'll give you an accurate, no-obligation quote.

How long does an assessment take?

For most commercial buildings, the site visit itself takes a few hours, depending on size and complexity. The written report typically follows within a few working days.

How often does it need to be reviewed?

There's no fixed legal interval, but it needs to be reviewed regularly and whenever something significant changes — a refurbishment, new tenant fit-out, change of use, or an incident. Most commercial buildings are reviewed annually as a sensible benchmark.

What happens if my building fails, or gets a poor rating?

A poor rating (Moderate, Substantial, or Intolerable) isn't an automatic penalty — it's a call to action. The assessment should come with a clear, prioritised action plan. What matters most, both for safety and for legal compliance, is that identified actions actually get addressed within a reasonable timescale, not that the rating itself looks good on paper.

What happens if I don't have one, or mine is out of date?

Fire and Rescue Authorities can inspect commercial premises and issue Enforcement or Prohibition Notices where an assessment is missing or inadequate. In serious cases, this can lead to prosecution. Beyond the legal risk, an inadequate FRA is also increasingly scrutinised by insurers and during property transactions.

Can I do a Fire Risk Assessment myself?

Technically, the law allows a Responsible Person to carry out their own assessment if they're competent to do so. In practice, for anything beyond a very small, low-risk premises, this is a significant undertaking — it requires genuine technical knowledge of fire behaviour, means of escape design, and current legislation. Most property managers commission a qualified assessor, both for the expertise and for the independence it provides if the assessment is ever challenged.

What should I look for in an assessor?

A recognised qualification (Level 3 or above, or equivalent professional body membership), relevant experience with your type of building, and a written report that gives you a clear, actionable plan — not just a pass/fail opinion.

Still have questions?

If your question isn't covered here, or you'd like to talk through your specific building, get in touch with Accura Fire Risk Ltd for a no-obligation conversation.