How often do I need an FRA?

At least annually. Any material change in the building, occupancy or use requires an updated assessment.

Does a single-let house need an FRA?

Not strictly under the Fire Safety Order; the Order applies to common parts and non-domestic premises. But best practice is to record a basic FRA for any let property, and HMO licensing usually requires one regardless.

What is the Accountable Person?

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the Accountable Person is the duty-holder for fire and structural safety in higher-risk residential buildings. For most landlords this is the building owner or freeholder.

Fire Risk

Best platform to book a Fire Risk Assessment in the UK 2026

Updated 2026-05-22 · 5 min read

A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is required for every HMO, block of flats and any building with common parts under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Building Safety Act 2022 tightened the rules for higher-risk buildings further. Picking a competent assessor matters more here than on any other certificate.

What a competent FRA assessor looks like

Accreditation with BAFE SP205, the IFE or the IFSM is the standard. For higher-risk buildings (six storeys or 18 metres+) under the Building Safety Act 2022, the assessor must be Accountable Person-approved.

FRA fees vary widely: £80 to £250 for a small HMO, £300 to £800 for a typical block of flats common parts, £1,200+ for a higher-risk building.

Checkatrade for FRA

Strongest fit. Checkatrade verifies BAFE SP205 at trade signup. The Fire Risk category is one of Checkatrade's most-vetted segments.

MyBuilder for FRA

MyBuilder has decent FRA coverage but no central BAFE verification. Cross-check assessor accreditation yourself before booking.

Bark for FRA

Bark FRA assessors are often general fire safety consultants. Quality varies; verify BAFE membership specifically.

Recommendation

Default to Checkatrade for any FRA. The FRA is the certificate that carries the most legal weight under the Fire Safety Order; verification matters disproportionately. For higher-risk buildings, confirm Building Safety Act competence separately.

Common questions

How often do I need an FRA?: At least annually. Any material change in the building, occupancy or use requires an updated assessment.
Does a single-let house need an FRA?: Not strictly under the Fire Safety Order; the Order applies to common parts and non-domestic premises. But best practice is to record a basic FRA for any let property, and HMO licensing usually requires one regardless.
What is the Accountable Person?: Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the Accountable Person is the duty-holder for fire and structural safety in higher-risk residential buildings. For most landlords this is the building owner or freeholder.

See Fire Risk cost and book