Fire Risk Assessment Review Frequency In 2026

Fire risk assessments remain a legal requirement for almost all commercial premises in the UK. In 2026, one of the most common compliance questions from business owners and facilities managers is simple: how often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

There is no fixed expiry date in law. However, there are clear legal duties, recognised review intervals and specific triggers that require immediate action.

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every responsible person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place and kept up to date. This applies to offices, shops, warehouses, industrial sites, HMOs, care premises and most commercial buildings.

Recent changes introduced through the Fire Safety Act and Building Safety Act have increased scrutiny around documentation, competence and ongoing review, particularly where multiple occupancies or sleeping risk are present.

UK fire safety legislation does not define a specific review period. Instead, it requires assessments to be reviewed regularly and updated whenever they are no longer valid.

In practical terms, the following review frequencies are widely accepted by enforcing authorities, insurers and competent assessors.

For most low to medium risk commercial premises, an annual review is considered best practice and the minimum defensible position in 2026.

Higher-risk environments, including care homes, HMOs and buildings with sleeping accommodation, should typically be reviewed every six months.

Premises with frequent operational, staffing or layout changes may require ongoing or rolling reviews.

A fire risk assessment must be reviewed straight away if any of the following occur.

• Building alterations, refurbishments or layout changes
• A change in how the building is used
• Increased occupancy levels or vulnerable occupants
• New equipment, processes or ignition sources
• Significant staff changes or new fire wardens
• A fire, near miss or fire authority enforcement action
• Updates to a relevant fire safety guidance or standard

If any of these apply, an existing assessment may no longer be valid, even if it was completed recently.

A review is not always a full reassessment, but it must be meaningful and documented. In 2026, a compliant review will usually include confirmation that:

• The building layout and use remain accurate
• Fire detection, alarms and emergency lighting are suitable and maintained
• Escape routes, signage and fire doors remain compliant
• Staff fire safety training and drills are up to date
• Testing and maintenance records are complete
• Previously identified actions have been addressed

Where significant changes or gaps are identified, a full new fire risk assessment is normally required.

Fire authorities regularly identify the same issues during audits and inspections.

• Assuming a fire risk assessment expires after a set number of years
• Filing an assessment away without reviewing it
• Relying on generic or template-based documents
• Failing to complete or evidence remedial actions
• Using assessors without appropriate competence or experience

These failures can result in enforcement notices, prosecution and serious insurance implications. For guidance on professional standards, refer to BSI and Fire Industry Association resources.

Legal responsibility sits with the responsible person. This is usually the employer, business owner, landlord or managing agent.

While very low-risk premises may carry out simple internal reviews, most businesses benefit from using a competent, third-party risk assessor, particularly where the building is complex or involves sleeping risk.

An out-of-date or invalid fire risk assessment is treated the same as having no assessment at all. Potential consequences include:

• Fire authority enforcement notices
• Unlimited fines or prosecution
• Invalidated insurance cover following a fire
• Increased civil and criminal liability

Sygma Fire, Security & Electrical provides professional fire risk assessment and review services for commercial premises across the UK.

If you are unsure whether your current assessment remains compliant in 2026, Sygma can carry out a professional review or full reassessment, with clear reporting and prioritised actions. Contact Sygma today to discuss your specific requirements.