Fire Door Inspection Checklist and Register (UK)

Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, in force since 23 January 2023, the Responsible Person for a block of flats with storeys over 11 metres must check communal fire doors, including their self-closers, at least every 3 months, and use best endeavours to check every flat entrance door at least every 12 months, keeping a record of the steps taken. In every block of flats with common parts, whatever its height, residents must be given information about fire doors when they move in and at least every 12 months.

The Responsible Person is usually the freeholder or building owner, or another person in control of the premises such as a managing agent. The government guidance says the checks are simple and visual: with some instruction, a caretaker, housing officer, managing agent or maintenance worker can do them without a specialist or tools. Any repair or replacement the checks find should be done by a competent contractor as soon as reasonably practicable.

Doors to plant rooms, service cupboards and risers should also be checked at least every three months. Sources: GOV.UK fire door guidance (revised August 2025) and the regulation 10 fact sheet. Full text: SI 2022/547 on legislation.gov.uk.

You need access to a flat to check its front door from both sides, so the law asks for best endeavours, not a guaranteed check, and expects a record of what you tried. The guidance suggests arranging visits in advance and offering a range of times. Where access is not given, keep evidence of the steps taken, such as letters asking for access. The Flat Access Log in the register records each letter, call and visit with its outcome and where the evidence is kept, and the door register shows "Overdue: access being sought" for doors you are still trying to reach.

Below 11 metres the regulation 10 check intervals do not apply, but the Fire Safety Order still requires fire doors, including flat entrance doors, to give adequate protection, so set intervals that match your fire risk assessment on the Setup tab. The 2022 Regulations apply in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules and guidance, for example the Welsh Government's fire doors in flats guidance.

This register and checklist help you plan, carry out and record fire door checks. They are not legal advice and do not replace your fire risk assessment or a competent fire safety professional. Rules change and differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: check the current GOV.UK guidance and legislation for your building. Greenwolf Tech Labs is not a law firm and is not affiliated with any government agency, and the product does not certify any door or building as meeting any standard.