Fire Risk Assessments for Blocks of Flats in Sussex

What's covered

The Fire Safety Order applies to the common parts of blocks of flats, such as entrance halls, corridors, stairs and plant rooms. The Fire Safety Act 2021 confirmed that this includes the building's structure, external walls and the entrance doors to individual flats.

The newer residential duties

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 added duties for buildings with two or more sets of flats, including giving residents fire safety instructions and information about fire doors. In buildings over 11 metres, communal fire doors must be checked every three months and flat entrance doors, on a best-endeavours basis, every year. Taller buildings have further duties.

Converted houses as well as purpose-built blocks

Much of Sussex's flat stock is in converted period houses. These often have a single staircase, older doors and hidden gaps in fire separation. We know what to look for and how to recommend proportionate improvements.

What we check

The building's evacuation strategy, such as stay put or simultaneous evacuation
Protection of stairs and corridors from smoke and fire
Flat entrance doors and communal fire doors
Compartmentation and gaps where services pass through walls and floors
Detection, alarm and emergency lighting
Storage, mobility scooters and rubbish in communal areas
Fire safety signage and information for residents
Management arrangements and records

Why choose RockSure

Led by Simon Fuller, a qualified lawyer bringing extensive enforcement and compliance experience, including property management, health and safety, and fire safety
Approachable, helpful and practical: we take the stress out of the process
Member of the Fire Protection Association (qualified to Level 3)
Independent: we don't sell fire extinguishers, alarms or remedial works, so our recommendations aren't tied to selling you equipment
Fixed prices from £185, with no hidden extras
Reports typically ready within 3 days
Plain-English action plans that put the most important things first

Where we work

Brighton Hove Eastbourne Lewes Hastings Crawley Horsham Chichester Haywards Heath Burgess Hill East Grinstead Hassocks Bognor Regis Arundel

Common questions

Do blocks of flats need a fire risk assessment?

Yes, for the communal parts. The responsible person, usually the freeholder, management company or managing agent, must have a written fire risk assessment.

Does the fire risk assessment cover the inside of each flat?

Generally no. The Fire Safety Order covers the shared parts, the structure, external walls and flat entrance doors. The inside of individual flats is normally covered by housing law instead.

Can you assess a small converted building with just two or three flats?

Yes. Smaller converted buildings are some of the most common we assess, and they still need a written fire risk assessment for the shared areas.

Fire risk assessments for blocks of flats