Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the "responsible person" for almost all non-domestic premises and the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings must carry out a fire risk assessment. Since the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, duties have been clarified and strengthened, particularly for blocks of flats. Failure to comply can result in unlimited fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment.

There is no fixed legal interval, but your assessment must be kept up to date and reviewed regularly. As a rule of thumb, we recommend reviewing annually and carrying out a fresh assessment at least every one to two years, or sooner if there are significant changes to the building, its use, or its occupants. A review is also needed after any fire or near miss.

Costs vary depending on the size, type and complexity of the premises. A small single-occupancy property is far less than a large commercial site or a multi-storey block of flats. We provide fixed, transparent quotes up front with no hidden fees, so you always know the price before any work begins. Request a free quote and we will give you an accurate figure.

These types apply to blocks of flats and differ by how thorough they are. A Type 1 is the most common and is non-destructive, covering common areas and a sample inspection of the construction. A Type 4 is the most comprehensive, including destructive inspection of both common areas and a sample of individual flats. Types 2 and 3 sit in between. Most buildings only require a Type 1 unless specific concerns are identified.

Yes. Landlords have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations to assess and control the risk of legionella in water systems. The HSE's L8 Approved Code of Practice sets the standard. For most domestic rental properties this is a relatively simple assessment, but it must be carried out and recorded, and reviewed periodically.

For rented homes in England, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is legally required at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies. You must provide a copy to tenants and, on request, to the local authority. For commercial premises, frequency depends on the installation and its use, but five years is a common benchmark.

A Gas Safety Certificate (often called a CP12) confirms that gas appliances and flues in a rented property have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Landlords must arrange a gas safety check every 12 months and provide tenants with a copy of the record within 28 days of the check, and to new tenants before they move in.

Fire alarm systems should be inspected and serviced in line with BS 5839, typically with a professional service at least every six months and regular in-house checks in between. Emergency lighting should be maintained to BS 5266, with a short monthly functional test and a full annual duration test. We can arrange both as part of an ongoing maintenance plan.

If your property or building was constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, asbestos-containing materials may be present. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the "dutyholder" for non-domestic premises must manage asbestos risk, which usually means a management survey. A refurbishment or demolition survey is required before any intrusive work. Surveys identify and assess the risk so it can be safely managed.

Yes. We work with a nationwide network of vetted, accredited assessors, so we can support everything from a single rental property to a large multi-site portfolio. We can coordinate multiple services and locations under one point of contact, with consistent reporting and clear, fixed pricing throughout.