Fire Risk Assessment
in St Matthews

Managing a property requires a clear understanding of safety obligations, particularly regarding the prevention of fire. If you are responsible for a building, obtaining a professional fire risk assessment in St Matthews is a practical step toward meeting your legal duties. The St Matthews area, located within the LE1 postcode district, is characterised by a mix of low-rise and mid-rise estate blocks situated close to the city centre. These residential structures sit alongside various community buildings and small commercial units that serve the local population.

Whether you manage a block of flats with communal areas, a local shop, or a community centre, the law requires the fire risks to be formally assessed. This process identifies potential hazards and suggests necessary improvements to protect occupants. A fire risk assessment in St Matthews typically costs £180 to £600 per assessment, though the exact figure depends entirely on the specific building in question. The firm we pass your enquiry to will provide a tailored quote based on your premises. Our role is to connect you with a local provider who possesses the relevant experience to evaluate your specific property type and provide a comprehensive report.

What the assessment covers

A fire risk assessment is a thorough physical inspection of a building to evaluate the likelihood of a fire starting and the potential consequences for those inside. The complexity of the work and the resulting cost are determined by several factors. The floor area and the number of storeys are primary considerations, as larger buildings require more time to inspect. The assessor who contacts you will also look at how the building is used and by how many people, as high-occupancy buildings present different risks than quiet storage units.

A critical factor is whether anyone sleeps on the premises, which is common in the mid-rise estate blocks of St Matthews. Sleeping risks necessitate more stringent evaluation of early warning systems. The number and complexity of escape routes are also examined to ensure they remain clear and lead to a place of ultimate safety. Additionally, the age of the building and whether it has been altered over time will influence the scope of the work, as older structures or those with modern extensions often have complex fire separation requirements. The local firm will review fire doors, alarms, emergency lighting, and signage to ensure everything is fit for purpose.

How the enquiry works

Leicester Fire Risk Assessment operates as a dedicated enquiry service to simplify the process of finding a competent professional. We do not carry out the assessments ourselves and we do not attend your site. The process follows these four steps:

1. You send the details of your property and your contact information through our enquiry form.
2. We pass these details to a local fire safety firm that covers the St Matthews area.
3. That firm contacts you directly to discuss your requirements and provide a specific quote.
4. You deal with the firm directly to arrange the site visit and handle payment.

By using this service, you are put in touch with a company that can provide the technical expertise required for your specific building type.

The legal position for duty holders

Fire safety in England is governed primarily by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation applies to virtually all non-domestic premises, including the communal parts of residential apartment blocks. Under this Order, the ‘Responsible Person’—usually the employer, building owner, or managing agent—has a legal duty to ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out. This is not an optional task; it is a mandatory requirement designed to ensure life safety.

The legal landscape was recently updated by section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which came into force on 1 October 2023. This amendment significantly changed the requirements for documentation. Previously, only certain buildings were required to have a written record of the assessment. Now, the Responsible Person must record the fire risk assessment in full, regardless of the number of people employed or the size of the business. Furthermore, the assessment must be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a material change to the building’s layout, use, or occupancy.

Assessments are normally carried out against established guidance, specifically BS 9792:2025 for housing and BS 9792:2025 for non-domestic premises. These British Standards provide a methodology for so that the assessment is thorough. It is essential that the assessment is carried out by a competent person who has the necessary skills and experience. Please note that the information on this page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice for a specific building. Enforcement of these regulations in St Matthews is the responsibility of the local fire and rescue service or the local authority, who have the power to inspect properties and issue notices if safety standards are not met.