Who Is Responsible for Fire Risk Assessments?

Defining the Responsible Person

Under Article 3 of the Fire Safety Order 2005, the Responsible Person is defined by legal control of non-domestic premises or the common parts of residential buildings. This includes:

• Employers with control over workplace premises
• Building owners, landlords or managing agents for multi-occupied residential blocks
• Facilities managers or duty holders with operational control

Not always the business owner

A common misconception is that the Responsible Person is always the business owner. In multi-tenanted buildings, the landlord or managing agent may be the Responsible Person for the common parts, while individual employers are responsible for their own areas. Responsibility is determined by control — not by job title.

Multiple Responsible Persons

Where there are multiple Responsible Persons, they must co-operate, share information and co-ordinate their fire safety arrangements. This is a legal duty under the Fire Safety Order, not a courtesy.

The Fire Safety Act 2021

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that the scope of the Responsible Person's duties includes the building's structure and external walls (including cladding and balconies) for relevant buildings.

Competent assistance

The Responsible Person must appoint one or more competent persons to assist — but ultimate legal responsibility remains with the Responsible Person, not the assessor. Appointing a consultant does not transfer the legal duty.

Cited Sources & Official References

• Article 3 of the Fire Safety Order 2005
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Fire Safety Act 2021
• Home Office fire safety risk assessment guides

Frequently Asked Questions