Table of contents
Key points
- A fire risk assessment for a rented home or HMO typically costs £250 to £600 with many providers, depending on size and complexity.
- At Landlord Sure, domestic fire risk assessments start at £79 for a studio, £134.99 for communal areas and £144.99 for 1 to 3 bedrooms.
- Commercial fire risk assessments start at £154.99 for communal areas and £254.99 for a full commercial building.
- A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for HMOs, the common parts of blocks of flats and all business premises.
Fire risk assessment cost in 2026: quick answer
Domestic fire risk assessments
| Property | Landlord Sure fixed price |
|---|---|
| Communal areas only | £134.99 |
| Studio | £79 |
| 1 to 3 bedrooms | £144.99 |
| 4 bedrooms | £184.99 |
| 5 bedrooms | £189.99 |
| 6 bedrooms | £194.99 |
| 7 bedrooms | £204.99 |
| 8 bedrooms | £215.99 |
Commercial and block fire risk assessments
| Building | Landlord Sure fixed price |
|---|---|
| Communal areas, up to 3 floors | £154.99 |
| Communal areas, 3 to 5 floors | £194.99 |
| Communal areas, 5 to 10 floors | £284.99 |
| Full building, 1 to 3 floors | £254.99 |
| Full building, 3 to 5 floors | £374.99 |
| Full building, 5 to 10 floors | £494.99 |
| Full building, 10 to 15 floors | £594.99 |
For comparison, the Portsmouth & District Private Landlords Association reports that standard fire risk assessments for HMOs typically cost £250 to £600 per property, depending on complexity and the assessor.
What affects the cost of a fire risk assessment?
1. Size and layout
More rooms, floors and escape routes mean more time on site and a longer report.
2. Type of property
A single flat is quick to assess. An HMO, a block of flats or a commercial building takes longer because there are more people, shared escape routes and fire safety systems to check.
3. Type of assessment
For blocks of flats, most assessments are non-intrusive (often called Type 1). More intrusive assessments, which open up parts of the building to check fire stopping, take longer and cost considerably more.
4. Fire safety systems
Buildings with fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors and sprinklers need each system reviewed as part of the assessment.
5. Records available
Having floor plans, previous assessments and service certificates ready can make the visit quicker.
Need a fire risk assessment in London?
Fixed prices from £79, qualified fire risk assessors and a clear digital report with an action plan.
Who needs a fire risk assessment?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” must carry out a fire risk assessment for:
- HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), covering the shared areas
- the common parts of blocks of flats and converted houses, such as hallways and stairs
- all workplaces and commercial premises, including shops, offices and restaurants
The Fire Safety Act 2021 confirmed that, in buildings with two or more homes, the assessment must also cover the structure, external walls and flat entrance doors. A single house let to one household doesn’t legally need a fire risk assessment, although smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules still apply.
Many councils also ask for a fire risk assessment when you apply for an HMO licence. See our guide to landlord fire risk assessments for more on your duties.
What’s included in a fire risk assessment?
- a site visit by a qualified fire risk assessor
- a check of fire hazards, such as electrics, heating and storage
- a review of escape routes, fire doors, alarms and emergency lighting
- identifying people at risk
- a written report with a prioritised action plan
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
The law says it must be reviewed regularly, and whenever something significant changes, such as building work, a change of layout or use, or a fire. Many landlords and managing agents review it every year.
Who pays for the fire risk assessment?
The responsible person pays. For an HMO that’s usually the landlord, and for a block of flats it’s usually the freeholder or managing agent. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 stops landlords charging tenants a separate fee for it.
How to get the best price
- Give the number of floors, rooms and occupants when you ask for quotes.
- Check the assessor is qualified and that the price includes the written report and action plan.
- Have floor plans and previous assessments ready.
- Book fire alarm, emergency lighting and fire door checks at the same time. See fire safety certificates, emergency lighting and fire door inspections.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fire risk assessment cost for an HMO?
It depends on size. At Landlord Sure, prices start at £144.99 for 1 to 3 bedrooms and rise to £215.99 for 8 bedrooms. Landlord associations report typical prices of £250 to £600 elsewhere.
How much is a fire risk assessment for a block of flats?
Our communal area fire risk assessments cost £154.99 for up to 3 floors, £194.99 for 3 to 5 floors and £284.99 for 5 to 10 floors.
How much does a commercial fire risk assessment cost?
Our full-building commercial assessments start at £254.99 for 1 to 3 floors.
Do I need a fire risk assessment for a single let house?
Not legally, if it’s let to one household. You must still meet smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules.
How long does a fire risk assessment take?
A small flat or house can take around an hour on site. Larger HMOs, blocks and commercial buildings take longer.
Book your fire risk assessment with Landlord Sure
Fixed prices from £79, qualified assessors and clear digital reports. Add a fire alarm certificate or emergency lighting certificate to the same visit.
Sources: PDPLA – Fire risk assessments for HMO properties; Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
