Do I need a fire risk assessment if I rent my shop or office?
By Joe Cooper · · 3 min read
Renting does not remove your duty. In a rented workplace, you may be a responsible person even though you do not own the building. What matters is who is the employer and who has control of each part of the premises.
Who is responsible
If you employ people or run a business from the premises, you are normally a responsible person for the space you control. The landlord or managing agent is usually responsible for shared areas such as stairs, corridors and shared alarm systems.
What this means in practice
- Do a fire risk assessment for your unit, or confirm in writing who is doing it.
- Ask the landlord for the assessment covering shared areas, and for alarm and emergency lighting service records.
- Cooperate and share information so the assessments fit together.
- Check your lease to see who maintains fire doors, alarms and escape routes.
Keep a record
Keep copies of anything the landlord gives you, and your own weekly checks and training records. If an inspector or insurer asks, you can show what you did and what you were told.
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General information based on GOV.UK guidance and common practice. It is not legal advice or a fire risk assessment. Your own fire risk assessment sets what applies to your premises. Sources: GOV.UK, Fire safety in the workplace.