Does licensing in Westminster affect fire risk assessment?

Westminster Council runs its own licensing arrangements on top of national mandatory HMO licensing. Our summary was last checked on 2026-10-20; always confirm the current position on the council website. Licence conditions commonly require current safety certificates to be available on request, which is why we keep every document digitally against the property.

Does a block of flats need a fire risk assessment?

The Fire Safety Order generally applies to the common parts, with the structure, external walls and flat entrance doors also within its scope. Individual domestic interiors are generally outside the Order. The building's layout and management arrangements determine the appropriate assessment scope and dutyholders.

Who is the responsible person in a rented building?

It may be an employer, freeholder, landlord, management company or another person with control, depending on the premises and arrangements. Duties can overlap rather than transferring entirely to an agent. Establish responsibilities in writing and seek competent advice where ownership or control is unclear.

Fire risk assessments in Westminster

Fire risk assessment in Westminster: the local picture

Fire arrangements for a Bayswater conversion differ from those for a modern block near Victoria. Establish which common areas and escape routes are within the assessment instruction and obtain existing building documents from the responsible person. In Soho, residential access beside or above commercial activity deserves particular attention when defining the premises. Peachtree Maintenance can coordinate fire risk assessment and maintenance actions arising from it. Altering a flat entrance door or a service route should be considered in the wider building context, not simply as a tenancy repair.

What the rules say

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person for common parts of multi occupied buildings, most HMOs and commercial premises to carry out a suitable fire risk assessment and keep it under review.

The Fire Safety Act 2021 confirmed this includes the building structure, external walls and flat entrance doors. Since October 2023 the full assessment must be recorded in writing. Reviews are expected regularly and after any significant change.

Westminster licensing

Westminster has renewed its borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme, effective from 31 August 2026 until 30 August 2031. The council also states that selective licensing applies to qualifying non-HMO private rented properties in fifteen wards, with address coverage and exemptions to be checked separately.

Source: Westminster Council, last checked 2026-10-20.

Districts we visit for fire risk assessment

Marylebone, Mayfair, Soho, Pimlico, Paddington, Bayswater, Maida Vale, St John's Wood, Victoria, Westbourne Park, covering postcode districts W1B, W1D, W1F, W1G, W1H, W1J, W1K, W1S, W1U, W1W, W2, W9, NW1, NW8, SW1A, SW1E, SW1H, SW1P, SW1V, SW1W, SW1X.

Fire risk assessments in Westminster

Fire risk assessment in Westminster: the local picture

What the rules say

Westminster licensing

Districts we visit for fire risk assessment

Fire risk assessment in Westminster: FAQs

Do you cover all of Westminster?

Does licensing in Westminster affect fire risk assessment?

Does a block of flats need a fire risk assessment?

Who is the responsible person in a rented building?

Fire risk assessment quote in Westminster.

Tell us about the property.