Fire safety is a serious responsibility that protects both lives and property. A key part of meeting this duty is completing a fire risk assessment (FRA), which checks for hazards and ensures the right safety measures are in place.
Many landlords and property owners often ask the same question: Can I complete a fire risk assessment myself, or should I hire a professional fire risk assessor?
This guide by Fire Safety Specialists Ltd explains who is legally allowed to carry out an FRA, what the law requires from a responsible person, and how to decide between a DIY approach and professional help.
A fire risk assessment is a careful review of a building that looks for possible fire hazards, checks how serious the risks are, and sets out the safety measures needed. It is a legal requirement for every workplace, rental property, and shared building in the UK.
The main purpose of a fire risk assessment is to spot hazards early, decide who could be at risk, and outline practical steps to lower or remove those dangers. It also requires keeping written records to show compliance and to guide future safety checks.
Regular reviews are just as important as the first assessment. Without an up-to-date fire risk assessment, landlords and business owners risk heavy fines, legal action, and putting lives in danger if a fire occurs.
For more information please read our detailed guide: What Is a Fire Risk Assessment and Why Do You Need One?
In the UK, the law says that every building must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment (FRA). The person in charge of making sure this happens is called the “responsible person.”
The responsible person is not always the same in every building. It depends on who has day-to-day control of the premises.
Key takeaway: Whoever controls the building or the people in it is legally responsible. They can carry out the FRA themselves if they are competent, or they can appoint a qualified professional to do it on their behalf.
This means responsibility is flexible, but it cannot be ignored — someone must always be clearly in charge of fire safety.
UK law states that a fire risk assessment (FRA) must be carried out by a competent person. This doesn’t mean someone with a specific job title — it means someone who has the right mix of knowledge, training, and experience to do the job properly.
A competent person should:
If the responsible person (like a landlord or employer) does not have these skills, they must bring in someone who does. Competence is about ability and confidence in keeping people safe, not the title on a business card.
Many landlords ask if they are allowed to carry out their own fire risk assessment. The law does allow it, but only if the landlord is considered competent and understands what is required.
A landlord can usually manage the assessment in small and straightforward buildings, such as a single office or shop. It may also work in low-risk places where only a few people are present. In some cases, landlords who have completed formal fire safety training can confidently take on this responsibility.
The problem with doing it yourself is that important hazards can easily be overlooked. A landlord may also fail to meet the strict legal standards that apply. If a fire happens and the assessment was not good enough, the landlord could be held responsible and face serious penalties.
In reality, DIY fire risk assessments may work for small, low-risk buildings. But for HMOs, care homes, or large and complex properties, hiring a professional assessor is the safer and more reliable choice.
Hiring a professional FRA assessor provides landlords and property owners with expert knowledge and peace of mind.
Advantages of using a professional:
The main drawback is the cost, but this is usually small when compared to the heavy fines, legal action, or damage that can result from an incomplete assessment.
Bottom line: A DIY approach may save a little money at first, but a professional fire risk assessment offers safer results, proper compliance, and greater peace of mind.
You may also read: Fire Consultancy Services for Landlords and Businesses
Choosing the right fire risk assessor is vital because the quality of their work directly affects the safety of your building and its occupants. To make a confident choice, you need to know what signs to look for in a trustworthy professional.
A trusted fire risk assessor should hold official recognition. Accreditation from groups such as the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), BAFE, or the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council shows that they meet professional standards.
Experience with buildings similar to yours is essential. An assessor who has worked on HMOs, care homes, or office blocks will understand the unique challenges and risks that come with each type of property.
A reliable assessor will not hesitate to share references or examples of past work. Their reports should be written in clear language, explaining hazards and solutions in a way landlords and managers can act on quickly.
Professional indemnity insurance is another important sign of a responsible assessor. It ensures that if mistakes are made, both you and the assessor are protected.
Price alone should not decide who you hire. The best assessor combines qualifications, practical experience, and clear communication to give you confidence that your building is both compliant and safe.
For more detailed information refer to our comprehensive guide: How to Choose the Right Fire Protection Consultant in the UK
Some buildings carry higher risks and therefore need extra attention, especially residential properties and care homes. Fire safety rules in these settings are stricter because they often house vulnerable people or large groups.
Key considerations:
These types of properties demand higher safety standards, which is why using a professional fire risk assessor is usually the safest and most reliable option.
You may also read: Do Converted or Small Blocks of Flats Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Failing to carry out a proper fire risk assessment is a serious offence under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The law places responsibility on landlords, employers, and managing agents to ensure assessments are both suitable and sufficient.
If an FRA is not done correctly, the fire service can issue enforcement notices requiring urgent action or even prohibition orders that stop the use of unsafe areas. These legal steps can severely disrupt businesses and property operations.
The consequences can also include unlimited fines and, in extreme cases, prison sentences for those responsible. Beyond legal penalties, poor compliance puts lives at risk and exposes landlords or business owners to costly legal claims if a fire occurs.
The cost of a professional fire risk assessment depends on the size and complexity of the building. On average, these are the typical price ranges:
Why it’s worth it:
When compared with the potential cost of fines, legal claims, or fire damage, the price of hiring a professional assessor is a small and worthwhile investment.
Landlords are allowed to carry out their own fire risk assessment if they are competent and the building is small or low-risk. However, most properties, especially HMOs, care homes, or larger and more complex buildings, require the expertise of a professional assessor to make sure everything is done correctly. A professional provides thorough checks, full compliance with the law, and greater peace of mind.
Answer: If you are unsure, it is always safer to hire a professional. The law demands competence, and cutting corners can put lives and property at risk.
You may also read: Getting and Sharing Your Building’s Fire Risk Assessment
Fire safety is too important to leave to chance. A proper fire risk assessment keeps people safe, protects property, and ensures compliance with UK law. Whether you’re a landlord considering DIY or a property manager weighing professional services, the key is competence. Choose the option that gives you confidence and meets legal standards.
The responsible person is usually the employer, landlord, or managing agent with control of the premise. They must ensure the safety of all occupants under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For more information please read: Who is Responsible for Completing a Fire Risk Assessment?
No. Only a competent person with the right knowledge, training, and experience can carry out a fire risk assessment. They must understand fire hazards, follow safety regulations, and apply proper fire safety measures.
Not always. A landlord may complete a fire risk assessment in small, low-risk buildings. For larger or high-risk premises, a professional fire risk assessor is usually needed to meet building safety standards.
It should be reviewed at least once a year. Updates are also required if the premise changes, new fire risks appear, or after a fire incident. Reviews are a legal requirement under UK safety regulations.
They should have formal fire safety training, accreditation, and proven experience. A competent person must identify hazards, assess fire risks, and recommend effective fire safety measures in line with regulatory reform law. For more information please read: What Qualifications Should a Fire Consultant Have in the UK?
