How Often Should Fire Risk Assessments Be Done in the South West? (2026 Guide).

If you’re a business owner, landlord or responsible person in Devon, Somerset or the wider South West, you may be wondering:

How Often Should Fire Risk Assessments Be Done in the South West for Different Types of Premises?

In the South West (and across England), many business owners and landlords ask how often should fire risk assessments be done in the South West. Fire risk assessments do not have a fixed expiry date under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. However, they must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever significant changes occur. In practice, most businesses and landlords in the South West should review their fire risk assessment at least once every 12 months.

Below, we explain the legal requirements, recommended review frequency, and when you must update your assessment immediately.

Are Fire Risk Assessments a Legal Requirement in the South West?

Yes.

All non-domestic premises in Devon, Somerset and across England are legally required to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

This includes:

• Offices

• Shops and retail units

• Warehouses and industrial premises

• HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

• Hotels and guesthouses

• Holiday lets

• Care homes

• Communal areas of blocks of flats

Enforcement in the South West is carried out by local authorities such as:

• Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

• Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

If your fire risk assessment is out of date, incomplete or no longer valid, enforcement action can be taken.

Is There a Legal Expiry Date for a Fire Risk Assessment?

No — there is no fixed “expiry date”.

The law states that the fire risk assessment must:

• Be reviewed regularly

• Be kept up to date

• Be revised if it is no longer valid

• Reflect current risks within the building

This means your fire risk assessment is only valid as long as the information within it remains accurate.

For most South West businesses, this means an annual review is best practice.

Recommended Fire Risk Assessment Review Frequency in the South West.

While the law does not set a specific timeframe, industry best practice suggests the following:

Offices and Small Retail Units (Exeter, Taunton, Barnstaple etc.)

Review every 12 months

If there are minimal changes and the risk level is low, an annual review is typically sufficient.

We have provided multiple Fire risk assessment reports to Office office portfolio across the south-west

HMOs and Rental Properties

Under the Housing Act 2004, landlords must ensure adequate fire safety arrangements.

Recommended review frequency:

• At least annually

• Every 6–12 months for larger HMOs

• Immediately after tenant turnover if risk factors change

This is particularly important in university areas such as Exeter, where occupancy turnover can be high.

We have supported multiple HMO student accommodation and shared house via risk assessments across the south

Hotels, Guesthouses & Holiday Lets (Common Across Devon & Somerset)

Due to high guest turnover and unfamiliar occupants:

Review every 6–12 months

The South West has a large tourism industry, especially in North Devon, coastal Somerset and rural retreat locations. Holiday accommodation carries a higher responsibility to ensure evacuation procedures and detection systems remain effective.

We have provided Fire risk assessments for multiple accommodation sites across the south-west

Industrial, Agricultural & Rural Premises

Factories, workshops, food production sites and agricultural buildings should generally be reviewed:

Every 6–12 months depending on risk level

Rural South West properties often involve:

• Combustible materials

• Machinery

• Storage risks

• Seasonal staffing changes

We have provided Fire risk assessments for many industrial sites

When Must a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed Immediately?

You must review your fire risk assessment straight away if:

• The layout of the building changes

• You carry out structural alterations

• Occupancy numbers increase

• The use of the building changes (e.g. shop to café)

• There has been a fire or near miss

• Vulnerable occupants are introduced

• You install new equipment or processes

• You receive enforcement advice

• Legislation changes (such as the Fire Safety Act 2021)

• You have a fire or near miss

Failing to update after significant changes can invalidate the assessment.

How Long Is a Fire Risk Assessment Valid?

A fire risk assessment remains valid only while it accurately reflects the risks present in the building.

There is no automatic expiry date. However:

• Most insurers expect annual review evidence

• Enforcement officers expect documentation to reflect current conditions

• Courts assess whether the assessment was suitable and sufficient at the time of an incident

If your assessment is more than 12 months old, it is strongly advisable to have it reviewed — even if no major changes have occurred.

What Happens If You Don’t Review Your Fire Risk Assessment?

Failure to keep your fire risk assessment up to date can result in:

• Enforcement notices

• Alteration notices

• Prohibition notices (closure of premises)

• Unlimited fines

• Prosecution

• Insurance complications

Local fire authorities in the South West actively inspect higher-risk premises, particularly HMOs, care facilities and commercial properties.

Keeping your assessment current protects not only compliance — but also your staff, tenants, customers and business continuity.

Need a Fire Risk Assessment Review in the South West?

If your fire risk assessment is over 12 months old — or your premises have changed — now is the time to review it.

At 225 Fire Solutions, we provide professional fire risk assessments and reviews across Devon, Somerset and the South West, helping businesses and landlords remain compliant, protected and confident.

Contact us today to arrange a review or discuss your legal responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should fire risk assessments be reviewed in the UK?

At least annually for most premises, and immediately after significant changes.

Do small businesses in Devon need a fire risk assessment?

Yes. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

Do landlords in the South West need to update fire risk assessments?

Yes. Particularly for HMOs and communal areas, regular review is essential.

Is an annual fire risk assessment legally required?

The law does not specify 12 months, but annual review is widely accepted best practice.

Important Disclaimer for Responsible Persons

While this guide outlines general legal requirements and industry best practice for reviewing fire risk assessments in the South West, every premises is different.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person has a legal duty to ensure that fire safety arrangements are suitable, sufficient and proportionate to the specific risks present within their premises.

The appropriate review timescale for a fire risk assessment will depend on factors such as:

• The type of premises

• Occupancy levels

• Vulnerable persons

• Building complexity

• Nature of business activities

• Previous enforcement history

For this reason, responsible persons should always consult a competent Fire Safety professional to determine the most appropriate review frequency for their individual circumstances.

As a matter of best practice, fire safety arrangements — including fire risk assessments — should be reviewed at least annually, even where no significant changes have occurred.

Regular professional review provides assurance that:

• The assessment remains legally compliant

• Control measures remain effective

• Documentation reflects current building use

• Emerging risks are identified early

Ultimately, fire safety compliance is an ongoing process rather than a one-time document.