Understanding Your Responsibilities Under the Fire Safety Act 2021
The Fire Safety Act 2021 and subsequent Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 represent the most significant changes to fire safety legislation in a generation. For those managing residential buildings across South London and Surrey, understanding these requirements is crucial.
What Changed?
The Act clarifies that the Responsible Person (typically the building owner, freeholder, or managing agent) must:
- Manage fire safety risks in the structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors of residential buildings
- Conduct regular fire risk assessments including these elements
- Ensure fire doors are properly inspected and maintained
Fire Door Inspection Requirements
The regulations specify clear inspection frequencies:
#### Quarterly Inspections (Every 3 Months)
All fire doors in communal areas must be checked quarterly, including:
- Stairwell doors
- Corridor fire doors
- Doors to plant rooms, bin stores, and service risers
- Lobby and entrance fire doors
#### Annual Inspections
Flat entrance doors (where the building contains 10+ residential units) must be checked at least annually. This requires cooperation from leaseholders and tenants.
What Inspections Must Cover
A compliant fire door inspection examines:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Door leaf | No holes, damage, or warping |
| Intumescent strips | Complete, undamaged, correctly fitted |
| Smoke seals | Present and in good condition |
| Hinges | Minimum 3, CE marked, firmly fixed |
| Self-closer | Closes door fully into frame |
| Gaps | 2-4mm sides/top, max 8mm threshold |
| Glazing | Fire rated, correctly installed |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can result in:
- Enforcement notices requiring immediate remediation
- Prohibition notices restricting building use
- Prosecution with unlimited fines
- Personal liability for Responsible Persons
- Invalidated insurance claims in the event of fire
How We Help Property Managers
At FMJ Fire Ltd, we support property managers across Croydon, Sutton, Guildford, Woking, Epsom, and all surrounding areas with:
✓ ABBE Level 3 certified inspections meeting all regulatory requirements
✓ Detailed digital reports documenting every door's condition
✓ Clear remediation priorities ranked by urgency
✓ 48-hour report turnaround to keep your compliance on track
✓ Ongoing inspection programmes to meet quarterly requirements
Take Action Today
Don't wait for an enforcement notice. Ensure your properties across South London and Surrey meet current fire door requirements.
Request a compliance assessment or call 020 3051 8482 to discuss your portfolio.