Fire safety is more than a legal requirement—it is vital for protecting both lives and property. A fire risk assessment (FRA) forms the foundation of a building’s fire safety strategy, helping to identify hazards, highlight risks, and set out the measures needed to keep people safe.
In this guide by Fire Safety Specialists Ltd, you’ll learn how to get a copy of your building’s fire risk assessment, what rights you hold as a leaseholder or tenant, and the steps you can take if a freeholder or managing agent refuses to share it.
Knowing your rights helps ensure your home or building is as safe as possible.
A fire risk assessment (FRA) is a structured review of your building’s fire hazards, escape routes, and safety measures. It is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales.
An FRA matters because:
Without a proper FRA, buildings face a much higher chance of fires spreading quickly and putting lives at serious risk. For more information please read: What Is a Fire Risk Assessment and Why Do You Need One?
If you need a copy of your building’s fire risk assessment (FRA), follow these simple steps:
Accessing your building’s fire risk assessment should be straightforward. Even if you are not provided with the full FRA document, the freeholder or managing agent must still inform you of any fire risks identified to keep all occupants safe.
Freeholders and managing agents are not directly required by law to give residents a full copy of the fire risk assessment (FRA). However, they do have a legal duty to inform occupants of any significant fire risks identified during the assessment. This ensures residents know about dangers that could affect their safety.
Industry guidance, including advice from the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM), recommends that residents be given access to the FRA upon request. Sharing the document helps build trust, improves compliance, and creates greater awareness of fire safety measures within the building.
In blocks of flats and communal properties, landlords and managing agents are expected to share important fire safety information. Because multiple people rely on shared areas like stairwells, corridors, and exits, transparency becomes vital. While not always a strict legal obligation, providing the FRA is widely seen as best practice.
You may also read: Fire Safety Regulations for Landlords
If your request for a copy of the fire risk assessment (FRA) is denied, you still have several options to protect your rights and ensure fire safety in your building.
Begin by raising the issue directly with the managing agent or freeholder. If they continue to refuse, use the company’s official complaints procedure to escalate the matter formally.
If the freeholder or agent is a member of a professional body such as ARMA or RICS, you can submit a complaint through their regulator. These organisations can put pressure on agents to comply with proper fire safety practices.
Your local fire and rescue authority has the power to enforce fire safety regulations. If your building does not have a proper fire risk assessment, they can investigate and take legal action where necessary.
Independent organisations such as LEASE (Leasehold Advisory Service) provide guidance on your rights as a leaseholder. They can help you understand the legal position and the steps you should take if fire safety obligations are being ignored.
Escalating your concerns is not only your right—it is your responsibility to protect yourself and other occupants if you believe serious fire risks are being neglected.
Leaseholders and tenants have specific rights under fire safety law, but also shared responsibilities.
A fire-safe building relies on cooperation between landlords, managing agents, and leaseholders.
A valid fire risk assessment (FRA) should clearly describe the building layout, including fire exits, stairwells, and escape routes. It must also review the condition of communal areas such as corridors and lobbies, ensuring they remain free from obstructions that could block safe evacuation.
The assessment should cover all fire detection and alarm systems, including smoke alarms, heat detectors, and control panels. It must also record fire safety features like fire doors, emergency lighting, extinguishers, and fire blankets, confirming they are installed and properly maintained.
Finally, a comprehensive FRA identifies specific hazards such as electrical equipment, gas appliances, or flammable materials. It should outline clear safety measures including evacuation plans, fire drills, and the responsibilities of staff or residents. If these details are missing, the FRA may not meet fire safety standards.
Frequency depends on both the building type and the level of fire risk present in the property. Regular reviews are essential to keep residents safe and to comply with fire safety regulations.
Regular fire risk assessments not only keep the building legally compliant but also ensure that new or hidden fire hazards are identified and dealt with quickly. This protects both property and lives.
You may also read: Fire Risk Assessment Frequency and What to Do If There Isn’t One
Access to a fire risk assessment (FRA) is more than a legal formality—it builds trust between landlords, agents, and residents. When occupants are aware of identified risks, they gain confidence that their safety is being taken seriously. This transparency helps prevent uncertainty and strengthens community responsibility.
Sharing the FRA also encourages cooperation. Tenants who understand fire risks are more likely to respect evacuation plans, keep communal areas clear, and follow safety measures. This collective effort reduces the chance of mistakes during emergencies and ensures smoother responses.
Finally, open communication fosters a stronger fire safety culture. By keeping residents informed, landlords and managing agents reduce the chance of hazards being overlooked. When everyone works together, the risk of fire is reduced, and compliance with fire safety regulations becomes much easier to achieve.
Every building must have a valid fire risk assessment (FRA). While landlords may not always be legally required to provide full copies, residents have the right to be informed about any fire risks. Knowing your rights, requesting transparency, and escalating complaints when needed ensures stronger protection for everyone.
A proper FRA is more than paperwork—it is a life-saving safety tool that protects both people and property.
You may also read: Buying a Flat After a “Substantial” or “Intolerable” Fire Risk Rating
Start with a written request, escalate to complaints procedures, and if ignored, contact your local fire and rescue authority.
No. Fire risk assessments must be done by the responsible person (landlord, freeholder, or competent risk assessor). For more information please read: Who Can Perform a Fire Risk Assessment: Landlord or Professional?
For flats and small buildings, prices usually range between £200–£750, depending on complexity.
Yes, if the premises house five or more people. Smaller premises still benefit from written documentation for accountability.
Usually the freeholder, landlord, or managing agent responsible for communal areas and fire safety compliance. For more information please read: Who Is Responsible for Carrying Out a Fire Risk Assessment?
