Short answer
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets no fixed interval for reviewing a fire risk assessment. Article 9(3) requires the responsible person to review it regularly, and straight away if there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change. Government guidance for purpose-built blocks of flats suggests a yearly review for higher-risk blocks and blocks over 4 storeys, and a review every 2 years for low-risk, low-rise blocks.
What does the law say about reviewing a fire risk assessment?
Article 9(3) of the Fire Safety Order gives 3 reasons to review:
- Regularly, so the assessment stays up to date
- When there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid
- When there has been a significant change in the matters it covers
The Order does not define "regularly" and sets no expiry date. An assessment stays valid while it remains suitable and sufficient for the building as it is now.
What counts as a significant change?
These changes usually call for a review before the planned date:
- Building work, refurbishment or a new layout
- A change of use, such as offices converted to flats
- New occupants who would need help to evacuate
- Changes to the fire alarm, emergency lighting, sprinklers or fire doors
- A fire, a near miss or a pattern of false alarms
- An enforcement notice or advice from the fire and rescue service
- A change of responsible person or managing agent
How often does guidance suggest reviewing a block of flats assessment?
The government guide Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats says the Order sets no frequency, so the assessment itself should set one. It suggests these intervals:
| Block | Review | New assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Low-risk, modern, low-rise | Every 2 years | Every 4 years |
| Higher-risk, or over 4 storeys | Every year | Every 3 years |
GOV.UK describes this guide as no longer comprehensive and plans to revise it, so treat these intervals as a starting point. The guide also says that, in extreme cases, a new assessment may be needed every year.
What does BS 9792:2025 say about review dates?
BS 9792:2025, the code of practice for fire risk assessment in housing, makes the review date the last of its 9 steps. The assessor sets a date based on the risk found, and the assessment should be reviewed sooner if there is a significant change. The standard does not set one interval for every building.
Is a review the same as a new assessment?
A review starts from the existing assessment. The assessor visits, checks the findings still hold, records progress on each action and updates the report where things have changed. A new assessment starts from scratch.
A new assessment is the better choice when the existing one was never recorded in full, does not name the person who carried it out, cites a withdrawn standard such as PAS 79-2, or no longer describes the building.
Who should carry out the review?
The responsible person can review the assessment if they are competent to do so, or engage a competent assessor. Since 1 October 2023, the record must name anyone engaged to make or review the assessment, with their organisation. A review by the original assessor is common, but any competent assessor can carry it out.
Which fire safety checks do have fixed intervals?
Some duties linked to the fire risk assessment do carry fixed dates in law:
| Duty | Interval | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check communal fire doors | At least every 3 months | Buildings over 11 metres with 2+ flats | Reg 10, 2022 Regulations |
| Check flat entrance doors (best endeavours) | At least every 12 months | Buildings over 11 metres with 2+ flats | Reg 10, 2022 Regulations |
| Give residents fire safety instructions | On moving in and every 12 months | Buildings with 2+ flats and common parts | 2022 Regulations |
| Review residential evacuation plans | At least every 12 months | 18 metres or 7 storeys and over, or over 11 metres with simultaneous evacuation | 2025 Regulations |
Primary sources
This guide explains the law in England as at 9 October 2026. It is general information, not legal advice.