Do flat owners under their own management need an annual fire risk assessment?

[Guest Murray]

Hi there,

Quick question, we're a house that's been converted into three flats with a communal corridor/stairs leading to the three flats. We manage the property and had a Fire Risk Assessment done when one of the flats was sold last year. There were a few recommendations like fit fire alarms, emergency lighting and replacing a worn carpet on the stairs. We've taken those on board and have fitted fire alarms, emergency lights and a new carpet in the communal area. The company that did the Fire Risk Assessment has just sent me an email stating ..  "It is important you review your fire risk assessment annually to ensure your compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Please let us know a convenient time to carry out this review". This implies its compulsory that we need another assessment using them which we would obviously have to pay for. Am I correct in assuming we don't have to have an annual Fire Risk Assessment with them/or anyone and we can do ourselves especially as we've under taken the major points from the previous assessment?  Thanks for your help.

[Tom Sutton]

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 article 9(3) says "Any such assessment must be reviewed by the responsible person regularly so as to keep it up to date" and does not give a frequency but it is generally accepted that 12 months is reasonable.

Yes you can do it yourself if you feel competent, the guide would be HOUSING – FIRE SAFETY Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing.  

Study the legislation and the guide then decide if you are the Responsible Persons and are competent enough to carry out the FRA.