What Do You Need to Know About Fire Risk Assessment in London in 2027?

Are you responsible for a commercial, residential, or mixed-use property in London? If so, understanding Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) requirements in 2027 is an important part of managing fire safety.

A Fire Risk Assessment is more than a document kept in a property file. It is a structured assessment of fire hazards, people who may be at risk, existing safety measures, evacuation arrangements and the actions needed to reduce fire risks.

In England, the Responsible Person has a legal duty to carry out and regularly review a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment for premises covered by the relevant fire-safety legislation. London Fire Brigade also states that Responsible Persons must ensure a competent person completes an assessment and that its findings are recorded.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment in London examines a building from a fire-prevention and life-safety perspective.

The assessment normally identifies:

• Potential sources of ignition

• Combustible materials and sources of fuel

• People who could be exposed to fire

• Escape routes and emergency exits

• Fire detection and alarm systems

• Emergency lighting

• Fire doors and compartmentation

• Firefighting equipment

• Emergency evacuation arrangements

• Fire-safety training

• Arrangements for people who may require additional assistance

GOV.UK describes a five-step approach: identify hazards, identify people at risk, evaluate and reduce risks, record findings and provide emergency arrangements and training, then review the assessment regularly.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment in London?

The requirement generally applies to premises covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The Responsible Person may be an employer, building owner, landlord, occupier or another person with control of the premises. Where several people have responsibilities, they may need to cooperate and coordinate their fire-safety arrangements.

Examples of premises that may require an FRA include:

• Offices

• Shops and retail units

• Restaurants and cafés

• Hotels and guest accommodation

• Warehouses

• Factories

• Schools and community buildings

• Healthcare and care premises

• Houses in multiple occupation

• Blocks of flats and other relevant residential buildings

• Mixed-use developments

The precise requirements depend on the building, its use and the responsibilities of the people involved.

Why Is Fire Risk Assessment Important in London in 2027?

London contains a huge variety of buildings, from historic properties and converted houses to modern high-rise developments and large commercial premises.

Different buildings can have very different fire risks. A restaurant, warehouse, office and residential block cannot necessarily be assessed using the same assumptions.

London Fire Brigade advises that larger or more complex businesses should consider using a suitably qualified specialist, while some small, relatively simple premises may be assessed by the Responsible Person if they are competent to do so.

For 2027, property managers should therefore ensure that an existing FRA still reflects the actual building and its current use rather than simply relying on its age or the fact that an assessment has previously been completed.

What Should a London Fire Risk Assessment Cover?

A suitable assessment should be appropriate to the individual premises.

The assessor may examine the building layout, means of escape, fire doors, alarm systems, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment, storage arrangements and other fire precautions.

The assessment should also consider people who may be particularly vulnerable during a fire, including people with disabilities, older people, children or others who may require additional assistance. GOV.UK specifically identifies the needs of vulnerable people as an area that should be considered in a fire risk assessment.

The final assessment should not simply identify problems. It should help establish practical actions for reducing or controlling the identified risks.

Fire Risk Assessments for Residential Buildings

Fire safety responsibilities are particularly important for multi-occupied residential buildings.

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that, where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises, the Fire Safety Order covers the building’s structure, external walls and individual flat entrance doors between domestic premises and common parts. These matters therefore need to be considered within relevant fire risk assessments.

For some blocks of flats, a more detailed assessment of the external wall system may also be appropriate. Government guidance explains that a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) can provide additional information where required, and its findings should inform the building’s FRA.

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

There is no single review period that applies to every premises.

The Responsible Person must regularly review the assessment and update it when circumstances change or when the assessment may no longer be valid.

A review may be necessary after:

• Building alterations or refurbishment

• A change in the property’s use

• Changes to occupancy

• Changes to escape routes

• Installation or modification of fire-safety systems

• Significant changes in staffing

• Introduction of new equipment or hazardous materials

• Identification of previously unknown fire risks

• A fire or other significant incident

Regular reviews help ensure that the assessment reflects the building as it actually exists.

What Are the Fire-Safety Responsibilities of London Property Owners?

Being the Responsible Person involves more than commissioning an FRA.

The Responsible Person must take appropriate measures to reduce fire risk, maintain relevant fire precautions, provide information and training where required, and keep the fire risk assessment under review.

For multi-occupied residential buildings, additional information-sharing requirements can apply. London Fire Brigade explains that residents may need information about the evacuation strategy, how to report a fire, identifrisks and preventive and protective measures.

How Can Businesses Prepare for Fire Safety in 2027?

Businesses and property managers can take several practical steps:

1. Check when the current FRA was completed.

2. Confirm that it reflects the property’s current use.

3. Review outstanding recommendations.

4. Keep escape routes clear.

5. Check fire doors and fire compartments.

6. Maintain alarms, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment.

7. Review evacuation procedures.

8. Consider people who may need additional assistance.

9. Keep appropriate fire-safety records.

10. Use a competent fire risk assessor where the building is complex or specialist knowledge is required.

London Fire Brigade provides guidance and resources for Responsible Persons, including information about choosing a competent fire risk assessor.

What Happens If Fire Safety Requirements Are Not Met?

Fire-safety requirements are enforceable. London Fire Brigade carries out inspections and can take enforcement action where premises do not meet applicable requirements. Its guidance states that businesses can face enforcement measures where fire-safety arrangements are inadequate, and premises may potentially be closed where people are considered to be at risk.

This makes proactive fire-safety management important for businesses, landlords and property managers.A Fire Risk Assessment in London for 2027 should be treated as an ongoing part of fire-safety management rather than a one-time compliance document.

For Responsible Persons, the key priorities are understanding the risks within the building, maintaining appropriate fire precautions, keeping assessments current and ensuring that recommendations are acted upon.

FAQs About Fire Risk Assessment London 2027

1. Is a Fire Risk Assessment mandatory in London?

For premises covered by the Fire Safety Order, the Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is completed and regularly reviewed.

2. Who can carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?

The Responsible Person can carry out an assessment where they are competent to do so. For larger, more complex or specialist premises, London Fire Brigade recommends using a suitably qualified specialist.

3. How often should an FRA be updated?

There is no universal annual requirement for every premises. It should be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur or the assessment may no longer be valid.

4. Does a block of flats need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Relevant multi-occupied residential buildings are covered by fire-safety duties, particularly their common parts. The Fire Safety Act 2021 also clarified requirements concerning structure, external walls and flat entrance doors.

5. What does a Fire Risk Assessment check?

It can examine fire hazards, people at risk, escape routes, alarms, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment, fire doors, evacuation procedures and other fire precautions relevant to the premises.

6. Do small businesses need a Fire Risk Assessment?

Small businesses can still have fire-safety duties. GOV.UK provides specific guidance for small, low-risk non-domestic premises, while the Responsible Person remains responsible for meeting applicable requirements.

7. What is the difference between an FRA and an FRAEW?

An FRA is the broader assessment of fire risks within the premises. An FRAEW is a more specialised appraisal concerning the fire risk associated with external wall systems on relevant blocks of flats. Where an FRAEW is required, its findings can inform the wider FRA.

8. What should I do before arranging an FRA in London?

Gather existing fire-safety documents, previous assessments, maintenance records and information about the building. Identify any recent changes to occupancy, layout, use or fire-safety systems and ensure the assessor has access to the relevant areas.