What is a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)?
A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a legal requirement for most residential buildings, especially blocks of flats and converted houses containing multiple dwellings. It involves a structured evaluation of the fire risks in the property, with the aim of identifying hazards and ensuring that appropriate fire safety measures are in place.
Who is responsible for the FRA?
The “responsible person” is usually:
- The freeholder, or
- A management company or Right to Manage company, or
- A letting agent acting on behalf of the landlord.
They must ensure that the building has a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out regularly — typically by a qualified fire safety professional.
What does an FRA include?
A fire risk assessment typically covers:
- Escape routes and whether they are clear and properly marked.
- Fire doors and alarms – whether they are installed, working, and compliant.
- Cladding and external walls – whether materials pose a fire risk.
- Compartmentation – whether the building structure helps contain fire.
- Signage and emergency lighting.
- Firefighting equipment and sprinkler systems (if applicable).
- Any recommendations for remediation or ongoing monitoring.
The findings will be summarised in a written report, which should be made available to leaseholders and buyers.
Why it matters when buying at auction
- An FRA is crucial for safety and legal compliance — especially in older or high-rise buildings.
- Some lenders may ask for a copy as part of their mortgage requirements.
- If the FRA identifies serious fire safety concerns, the building may require expensive works — and leaseholders usually pay for these via service charges.
- A missing or outdated FRA may suggest that the building is not being properly managed.
Auction legal packs often do not include an FRA. As a result, you may be buying into a block where:
- The current safety status is unclear, and
- You may later receive costly demands for compliance works.
Summary
A Fire Risk Assessment is essential for ensuring that a block of flats meets safety standards and complies with the law. If you’re buying at auction and an FRA is not provided, you are accepting the fire safety risk — which could result in serious costs and resale problems. At Versus Law, we advise all auction buyers to confirm whether an FRA is available before bidding, particularly for high-rise or converted buildings.










