Fire Risk Assessments for Landlords and Property Managers in Cornwall
One property or an entire portfolio—the responsibility still needs to be managed.
Cornwall Fire Risk Assessments supports landlords, freeholders, managing agents and property management companies with clear, professional fire risk assessments throughout Cornwall.
From a small block of flats to an HMO, mixed-use development or commercial property portfolio, we provide practical advice, consistent reporting and prioritised action plans that make fire safety easier to manage.
Cornwall Fire Risk Assessments is the regional service of JCH Safety, an established independent health and safety consultancy operating in Cornwall from Praa Sands, near Penzance.
Our approach is designed to help property professionals understand what applies to each building, identify priorities and manage actions consistently across individual properties or wider portfolios.
Which Properties Need a Fire Risk Assessment?
The correct assessment depends on the building’s use, construction, height, layout and occupancy.
Purpose-Built Blocks of Flats
Common parts, shared escape routes, flat entrance doors and areas under the control of the responsible person.
Flats Above Commercial Premises
Mixed-use properties where residential accommodation sits above shops, offices or other commercial units.
Converted Residential Buildings
Buildings converted into flats or shared accommodation, often with complex layouts and varied construction.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
Licensed and non-licensed HMOs with shared escape routes, communal areas and independent occupants.
Student and Shared Accommodation
Properties occupied by several unrelated tenants with shared kitchens, facilities and circulation spaces.
Sheltered or Supported Housing
Residential premises where occupancy, vulnerability and evacuation arrangements require careful consideration.
Commercially Managed Properties
Shops, offices, industrial units and other premises managed on behalf of landlords or investors.
Mixed-Use Developments
Buildings combining residential, retail, office or leisure use within one managed property.
Communal Access Areas
Shared stairs, corridors, entrance halls, external decks and escape routes serving several occupancies.
Property Portfolios
Multi-site contracts requiring consistent reporting, planned visits and central action tracking.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to workplaces, commercial premises and the common parts of buildings containing two or more domestic properties. Other requirements may also apply depending on the property.
Blocks of Flats and Residential Buildings
For a block of flats, the fire risk assessment normally covers the common parts and the areas within the control of the landlord, freeholder or managing agent.
The assessment considers how residents and visitors would escape, how fire and smoke could spread, and whether the building’s precautions and management arrangements remain suitable.
Government guidance is available for both small blocks of flats and more complex purpose-built residential buildings.
- Communal corridors and stairways
- Entrance halls and final exits
- External access decks and escape stairs
- Service and electrical cupboards
- Plant rooms and communal stores
- Fire alarm and smoke-control systems
- Emergency lighting and fire safety signs
- Flat entrance doors opening onto common areas
- The building’s structure and external walls
- Fire safety information provided to residents
Type 1 to Type 4 Fire Risk Assessments
We can advise on the appropriate assessment level based on the building, its history and any known concerns.
Type 1 Assessment
A non-destructive assessment of the common parts of the building. Most routine assessments begin at this level.
Type 2 Assessment
An assessment of the common parts involving a degree of destructive inspection where hidden construction needs further investigation.
Type 3 Assessment
A non-destructive assessment covering the common parts and the interior of a sample or selection of flats.
Type 4 Assessment
An assessment of the common parts and flats involving destructive inspection to examine concealed construction.
A more intrusive assessment may be recommended where there are concerns about compartmentation, construction, previous alterations or the building’s original fire safety strategy. Intrusive work must be carefully scoped and may require specialist contractors and resident or leaseholder permission.
Fire Doors, External Walls and Residential Duties
Fire safety law for multi-occupied residential buildings includes specific consideration of the structure, external walls, balconies and flat entrance doors opening into common parts.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 also introduce duties relating to resident information and fire doors. Additional requirements apply to buildings over 11 metres and high-rise residential buildings.
Our assessment will identify the requirements relevant to the property and explain any further specialist work that may be necessary.
HMOs and Shared Accommodation
HMOs can present increased risks because occupants live independently while sharing escape routes and communal facilities.
- Fire detection within bedrooms and common areas
- Protected escape routes and fire doors
- Cooking and electrical risks
- Emergency lighting and signs
- Management of common areas
- Tenant information and emergency procedures
- Testing, servicing and maintenance records
- Local authority licensing requirements
Fire safety responsibilities for HMOs can involve both the Housing Act 2004 and the Fire Safety Order. The assessment must therefore reflect the property and its licensing arrangements rather than rely on a generic landlord checklist.
Designed for Property Management
Property managers need to know what requires attention, who is responsible and what should be done first.
Clear Property Scope
A clear description of the property, its use, the assessment type and the areas included.
Prioritised Findings
Photographic findings, an overall risk rating and clear recommendations with reasonable timescales.
Manageable Actions
An easy-to-manage action plan distinguishing routine maintenance from significant concerns.
For larger portfolios, we can use a consistent reporting and action-tracking format across every property. This helps central teams allocate responsibility, monitor progress and demonstrate effective management.
Independent, Proportionate Advice
Our service is led by a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner and registered fire risk assessor with more than 20 years of professional experience.
We are independent of fire alarm, extinguisher and building-work sales. Recommendations are based on the risks and legal requirements of the property, not on generating remedial work.
Landlords and managing agents have direct access to an experienced assessor who can help explain findings and consider proposed solutions.
Support for Landlords and Managing Agents
Landlord Fire Risk Assessments Across Cornwall
Supporting landlords, freeholders and property management companies throughout Cornwall.
Penzance, St Ives, Hayle, Helston, Falmouth, Truro, Newquay, Redruth, Camborne, St Austell, Bodmin, Wadebridge, Padstow, Liskeard, Launceston, Bude and surrounding areas.
Portfolio visits can be planned geographically to reduce travel costs and provide an efficient, consistent service.
Request a Quotation
Whether you are responsible for a single HMO, a block of flats, a mixed-use property or a wider managed portfolio, Cornwall Fire Risk Assessments can help you understand and manage your responsibilities.
Contact us with the property address, use, number of floors and number of flats or letting units. We will advise on the appropriate assessment type and provide a clear fixed quotation.