What does the law require for fire doors in blocks of flats?
In England, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require the Responsible Person for a multi-occupied residential building over 11 metres to carry out checks of communal fire doors at least quarterly and to make best endeavours to check flat entrance doors at least annually.
These duties sit alongside the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021) and the wider building-safety regime introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022.
Who is the Responsible Person?
The Responsible Person is the duty-holder accountable for fire safety — usually the building owner, freeholder, managing agent or management company for a block of flats.
They must ensure fire doors are inspected, maintained and recorded, and that residents receive information about the importance of fire doors.
What standard should inspections follow?
Fire door installation and maintenance is covered by BS 8214:2026; the 2016 edition is withdrawn and should not be cited. Inspections also reference Approved Document B and the doorset's third-party certification.
A compliant inspection is component-level — frame, gaps, seals, hinges, closers, glazing and signage — and recorded with photographs and risk ratings.
What does a compliant record look like?
A defensible record is dated, photographic, door-by-door, and links each finding to a remedial action and its completion. This is the evidence enforcing authorities, insurers and the Building Safety Regulator expect.
Frequently asked questions
How often must communal fire doors be checked?
At least quarterly in residential buildings over 11 metres, under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
How often must flat entrance doors be checked?
At least annually, on a best-endeavours basis, in buildings over 11 metres.
Do buildings under 11 metres have duties?
Yes — the Fire Safety Order still applies; frequencies are guided by the fire risk assessment.