How Often Do You Need a Fire Risk Assessment
One of the most common questions we hear from building owners and managing agents is simple.
“How often do I need to update the fire risk assessment”
UK law does not give a fixed deadline. Instead, it requires you to keep the fire risk assessment current, suitable and sufficient at all times.
This page breaks down what that means in practice and how often you should realistically carry out a review.
What the law says
Under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order, responsible persons must ensure the fire risk assessment is kept up to date.
There is no legal requirement for annual reviews, two year reviews or a set time period.
However, fire services, insurers and regulators expect reviews to follow clear triggers and risk based cycles.
Recommended review cycles
Based on national guidance, real enforcement trends and the properties we assess across Chester, the North West and North Wales, these are the accepted best practice cycles.
1. Annual review for most buildings
Most commercial, residential and mixed use buildings should have their FRA reviewed every twelve months.
This is now considered industry standard because:
Occupancy changes subtly over time
Fire doors degrade
Small layout changes accumulate
Assurance is needed for insurers
It demonstrates ongoing compliance
It supports effective maintenance and planning
Almost all managing agents we work with follow an annual cycle.
2. Reviews after any material change
A new assessment or formal review is required when:
The layout changes
A refurbishment alters escape routes
A new fire alarm system is installed
A new business or tenant type introduces different risks
Sleeping risk is added (HMOs, serviced apartments etc)
Fire safety measures are upgraded
Compartmentation or fire doors are altered
If the building changes, the FRA must change with it.
3. Immediate review after a fire or near miss
Even small incidents require a reassessment of:
Detection systems
Fire doors
Compartmentation
Procedures
Evacuation strategy
Management arrangements
Near misses are an early warning that something may need updating.
4. Maximum three year cycle for low risk stable buildings
A minority of buildings qualify for longer cycles.
This applies only when:
The building is simple and low risk
Occupancy is stable
No significant changes take place
Previous assessments showed strong compliance
Competent management is in place
Even in these cases, a three year gap is the absolute maximum and still requires interim reviews if conditions change.
When fire services expect a new assessment
Fire and Rescue Services will expect a fresh FRA if they find:
Fire doors in poor condition
Faulty alarms or emergency lighting
Blocked escapes
No evidence of recent review
Evidence that the building has changed without updated documentation
Enforcement action often arises simply because the last FRA was outdated.
Why annual reviews are the safest option
Buildings change more subtly than people realise.
Across the properties we support in Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and North Wales, the most common issues we find during annual reviews include:
Degraded fire doors
Compartmentation gaps
New tenant risks
Storage encroachment in escape routes
New electrics or equipment
Staff turnover affecting procedures
Changes in occupancy hours
Annual reviews catch these early and reduce the risk of enforcement notices.
The Fletcher Risk approach
We help responsible persons maintain safe buildings by offering:
Annual fire risk assessments
Change triggered update assessments
Fire door inspections
Alarm and emergency lighting reviews
FRA action plan tracking
Pre audit and post audit support
If you manage buildings across Chester, the North West or North Wales, we can keep your compliance cycle simple and predictable.
Book your fire risk assessment or speak to our team:
https://www.fletcherrisk.co.uk
Disclaimer
This page provides general guidance only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for a full fire risk assessment or professional consultation. Fire risk requirements depend on the building’s type, condition and occupancy. Fletcher Risk Management Ltd accepts no liability for decisions made based on this content. Always consult a competent professional for guidance on your property.
Fletcher Risk Team - 19 November 2025