One of the most common questions asked by landlords, care providers, and commercial operators is:
“How often should a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) be reviewed?”
UK fire safety legislation does not set a fixed statutory review interval. However, that does not mean review frequency is optional.
Understanding when and how to review your Fire Risk Assessment is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding enforcement action.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must:
Although not explicitly mandated in fixed intervals, annual review is widely accepted as best practice.
Why?
Because buildings, occupancy patterns, and risks evolve over time.
An annual review ensures:
For most premises, an annual review provides a reasonable compliance safeguard.
An immediate review is required when:
For example:
If a property is converted into an HMO, or additional tenants move in, the original risk profile changes significantly.
Failure to review after such changes can invalidate compliance.
Local authorities often expect annual review as part of licensing conditions. High tenant turnover increases risk variability.
Due to vulnerable occupancy and evacuation complexity, annual review is strongly recommended — sometimes more frequently depending on operational changes.
Operational shifts, machinery additions, and staffing changes can significantly alter fire risk. Annual review plus review after operational changes is advisable.
A proper review is not a simple date update.:
It should include:
In some cases, a full reassessment may be required.
OFHSES conducts structured Fire Risk Assessment reviews that include:
These property types often require structured fire door inspection programmes.
There is no fixed statutory review period —
but responsible persons must ensure the assessment remains valid.
For most properties, annual review plus review after significant change is the safest approach.
Compliance is ongoing — not one-off.
If your Fire Risk Assessment:
It may require professional review.
