{"id":2687,"date":"2026-02-20T14:41:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T14:41:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/?p=2687"},"modified":"2026-07-31T13:06:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T13:06:48","slug":"what-happens-if-you-dont-have-a-fire-risk-assessment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/what-happens-if-you-dont-have-a-fire-risk-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If You Don\u2019t Have a Fire Risk Assessment?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your premises legally require a Fire Risk Assessment but none has been carried out, you are not simply missing a piece of paperwork \u2014 you are in breach of fire safety law. Under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must carry out a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment. Failure to comply with this duty is a criminal offence under Article 32.<\/p>\n

Not having a Fire Risk Assessment in place is therefore a legal failure, not an administrative oversight. In the UK, most non-domestic premises and the common parts of multi-occupied residential buildings must have a current and suitable Fire Risk Assessment under the Fire Safety Order.<\/p>\n

Failing to do so exposes you to enforcement action, unlimited fines, potential imprisonment, increased civil liability, insurance complications and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 a heightened risk of harm to people and property.<\/p>\n

This article explains what the law requires, what happens if you don\u2019t have a Fire Risk Assessment, and how enforcement action can unfold in practice.<\/p>\n

If you are unsure whether your premises are compliant, a professional Fire Risk Assessment can help you identify risks and avoid enforcement.<\/p>\n

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Quick Answer<\/h2>\n

If you do not have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment where one is required, you may face enforcement action, prohibition of premises use, prosecution, fines, insurance problems and increased risk to people in the building. Responsible persons must record the fire risk assessment in full and keep it under review.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE<\/a><\/div>\n\n

Is Not Having a Fire Risk Assessment Illegal?<\/h2>\n

Where the Fire Safety Order applies, the responsible person must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment. The assessment must be suitable and sufficient, recorded in full and supported by appropriate fire safety arrangements.<\/p>\n

Failing to have an assessment, or having one that is clearly unsuitable, can be treated as a breach of fire safety duties.<\/p>\n

What Can Happen If You Do Not Have One?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Risk<\/th>\nWhat It Means<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Fire service enforcement<\/td>\nThe fire and rescue authority may issue informal action, enforcement notices, alterations notices or prohibition notices.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prosecution and fines<\/td>\nSerious breaches can lead to prosecution, unlimited fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Unsafe premises<\/td>\nFire hazards, poor escape routes, inadequate alarms or missing management controls may go unmanaged.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insurance issues<\/td>\nInsurers may request evidence of fire safety management and may challenge claims where duties were ignored.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Landlord or managing agent problems<\/td>\nMissing assessments can create issues during audits, lease reviews, property management checks and resident complaints.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delayed transactions or contracts<\/td>\nFire safety evidence may be requested during sales, refinancing, procurement, tenders or due diligence.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Can the Fire and Rescue Service Check?<\/h2>\n

Yes. Fire and rescue authorities can inspect premises and may ask to see the fire risk assessment, action plan, maintenance records, training records and evidence that fire safety arrangements are being managed properly.<\/p>\n

See our guide to how the Fire and Rescue Service audits your fire risk assessment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Need to Put a Fire Risk Assessment in Place?<\/h2>\n

If your assessment is missing, out of date or unsuitable, Fire Risk Assessment Network can help you arrange a suitable fire risk assessment review.<\/p>\n

CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What If Your Fire Risk Assessment Is Out of Date?<\/h2>\n

An out-of-date assessment can create similar problems to having no useful assessment at all. If the building layout, use, occupancy, fire precautions or management arrangements have changed, the assessment should be reviewed and updated.<\/p>\n

How to Fix the Problem Quickly<\/h2>\n