If you’re buying a property, refinancing, or applying for a commercial mortgage, you might be wondering:
“Do lenders require a fire risk assessment?”
It’s a smart question—and one we hear more and more from landlords and business owners across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, and Guildford.
The answer? In many cases, yes.
But it depends on the lender, the property type, and how the building is being used.
Let’s unpack when and why lenders ask for fire risk assessments, and how getting one sorted early can help avoid delays or refusals on your application.
Why Lenders Care About Fire Risk
Banks and lenders aren’t just looking at your credit score—they’re looking at the risk attached to the building itself.
If there’s a fire, and it causes serious damage or loss of life, the lender’s investment could be at risk. So just like they ask for structural surveys or asbestos reports, they’re increasingly asking for:
- A Fire Risk Assessment (especially for rental, commercial or mixed-use properties)
- Evidence of fire safety systems in place
- Confirmation that fire hazards have been addressed
- Proof that the property meets current safety regulations
If they don’t see these, they may:
🚫 Delay the mortgage or loan approval
🚫 Require additional conditions before completion
🚫 Refuse finance altogether
🚫 Flag issues that will affect your insurance premiums
When Are Fire Risk Assessments Commonly Requested?
🔸 Buy-to-let and HMO mortgages
If you’re buying a house in multiple occupation (HMO) or converting a property into one, most lenders will want to see that the building has a valid fire risk assessment. Some will even ask for this before completion.
If you’re applying for a buy-to-let mortgage on a flat in a block, the lender may ask to see the fire risk assessment for the common areas—even if you’re only buying one unit.
🔸 Commercial property loans
Purchasing a shop, office, industrial unit, or mixed-use building? Expect your commercial lender to ask for a current fire risk assessment. This is especially true in larger buildings, multi-let premises, or if the property is open to the public.
🔸 Refinancing and remortgaging
If you’re remortgaging or refinancing for better rates, lenders may want updated documentation—including evidence that the property is fire-safe.
This is particularly common if:
- The previous assessment is over 12 months old
- There have been changes to the building’s layout or use
- The property now falls under updated regulations (like the Fire Safety Act 2021 or October 2023 updates)
What Should a Fire Risk Assessment Include?
To satisfy most lenders (and insurers), a fire risk assessment should:
✅ Be completed by a competent person (ideally a qualified assessor)
✅ Be in writing, with clear findings and actions
✅ Identify fire hazards, people at risk, and escape routes
✅ Confirm the presence of alarms, emergency lighting, and signage
✅ Highlight any required improvements or remedial actions
✅ Be up to date (ideally within the past 12 months)
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, all our assessors are trained to Level 3 or above (many at Level 6) and are members of the Institute of Fire Engineers. Our reports are clear, compliant, and lender-ready.
How ESI Can Help
If your lender is asking for a fire risk assessment—or you want to be proactive before applying—we can help.
We regularly work with property buyers, developers, and commercial landlords in Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, and Guildford to:
- Assess shops, offices, flats, HMOs, and mixed-use premises
- Provide fully documented, lender-ready fire risk assessments
- Carry out urgent assessments with fast turnaround if needed
- Flag any issues that might impact funding, insurance, or compliance
- Give clear advice to help you take action without delay
Whether you’re buying your first property or managing a portfolio, we make fire safety simple and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Not all lenders will ask for a fire risk assessment—but many do, especially for HMOs, commercial buildings, and multi-occupancy properties.
Getting a proper fire risk assessment done early can:
✅ Prevent funding delays
✅ Strengthen your application
✅ Reassure insurers
✅ Keep you compliant with fire safety law
✅ Protect your property, your tenants, and your business
Need a fire risk assessment to support your mortgage or loan application?
📞 Get in touch with ESI today. We offer quick, professional assessments across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire—so you can move forward with confidence.
