Can I Write My Own Fire Risk Assessment?

If you’re a business owner, landlord, or property manager, you’ve probably asked yourself at some point:
“Can I write my own fire risk assessment?”

It’s a fair question—especially with the growing list of legal responsibilities and rising costs of running a property or business.

The short answer is: yes, you can write your own fire risk assessment, but the better question is…

should you?

Let’s break it down.

What the Law Says

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic premises—and any residential property with shared areas—must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

The law doesn’t specifically say you must hire a professional. Instead, it says the assessment must be carried out by a “competent person.” That means someone with the right combination of knowledge, training, and experience to properly identify fire hazards, assess risks, and recommend appropriate measures.

So, yes—you can legally carry out your own assessment if you feel competent to do so.

But here’s where it gets tricky…

What Does “Competent” Really Mean?

Being “competent” in fire safety means more than just being familiar with your building. It means understanding:

• Fire behaviour and how it spreads in different structures
• The role and maintenance of fire doors, alarms, and emergency lighting
• How people use and move through the building in an emergency
• Relevant laws, guidance, and best practices
• How to identify and prioritise risks effectively

If you’ve had formal training, or you’re dealing with a very simple, low-risk premises—like a small office or shop—you might be able to carry it out yourself using official guidance and checklists.

But if your building is more complex (think: flats, HMOs, warehouses, or anything with multiple levels or vulnerable occupants), getting it wrong could have serious consequences.

The Risks of Doing It Yourself

Here at ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we’ve seen a lot of DIY fire risk assessments—and we’re not here to knock them.

Many people have good intentions.

But too often, the assessments we review are:

• Based on outdated templates
• Missing key legal requirements
• Too generic (copy-paste jobs with little relevance to the actual building)
• Lacking in clear recommendations or prioritisation
• Not properly recorded (which is now a legal requirement for all premises)

If you don’t fully understand the fire safety systems in place—or worse, if something is missed—you could be left legally liable if a fire occurs.

And if the Fire and Rescue Authority carries out an inspection, they can issue enforcement notices, fines, or even prosecute if they find serious deficiencies.

If you’re looking for a fire risk assessment checklist, you can find one provided by the government here.

What’s Changed Since 2023

It’s worth noting that since October 2023, it’s now a legal requirement for all fire risk assessments to be written down—even if you have fewer than five employees.

That means no more informal or verbal assessments. You must have a documented report, with clear findings and actions, that you can show to enforcement officers if asked.

It also adds extra pressure to make sure your assessment is detailed, accurate, and tailored to your specific building.

When It’s Worth Getting a Professional

Even if you’re confident in your understanding of the building, a professional fire risk assessor brings more than just a checklist. They bring real-world experience, legal knowledge, and peace of mind.

You should absolutely consider bringing in a professional if:

• Your building has shared areas (like in a block of flats)
• There are vulnerable occupants (elderly, disabled, children, etc.)
• You’re unsure about the current condition of fire doors, alarms, or compartmentation
• You’ve recently made building changes or renovations
• You’ve never had a formal fire risk assessment done
• You want to avoid the stress of a potential inspection or legal challenge

At ESI, our assessors all hold at least a Level 3 qualification, with many holding Level 6, and are members of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM). That means we’re fully equipped to deliver clear, compliant, and trustworthy advice—tailored to your exact building and circumstances.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can write your own fire risk assessment—if you’re confident, competent, and dealing with a low-risk property.

But for most landlords, businesses, or property managers, the smart and safe choice is to bring in a qualified professional.

It’s not just about ticking a box—it’s about protecting lives, meeting your legal obligations, and knowing you’ve done everything you can to minimise risk.

Need help with a fire risk assessment?
Call ESI today or book online. We’re here to make fire safety simple, affordable, and fully compliant—so you can focus on what matters most.