In short
- Type 1 – common parts, non-destructive – is the normal standard for most blocks.
- Type 2 adds destructive inspection of the common parts. Type 3 adds non-destructive inspection of some flats.
- Type 4 – common parts and flats, destructive – is reserved for serious concerns.
- There's no fixed legal review frequency, but assessments must be kept under review and recorded in full.
Where the four types come from
The four types were set out in the Local Government Association's guide Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats, and are now widely used by assessors and managing agents. BS 9792:2025, the current code of practice for housing fire risk assessment, gives clearer treatment of the different types.
Fire risk assessment types at a glance
| Type | Area covered | Inspection | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Common parts only | Non-destructive | The standard FRA for most blocks |
| Type 2 | Common parts only | Destructive (sampled) | Concerns about compartmentation or construction in the common parts |
| Type 3 | Common parts and some flats | Non-destructive | Questions about stay put, flat entrance doors or separation between flats |
| Type 4 | Common parts and some flats | Destructive (sampled) | Serious concerns about construction, often after a fire or major defect |
Type 1: the standard FRA
A Type 1 assessment covers the common parts – entrances, corridors, stairs, plant rooms, bin stores – without opening up the structure. It considers what can be seen: fire doors, signage, emergency lighting, detection, housekeeping, management arrangements and the information given to residents. It's what the Fire Safety Order requires for most blocks, but it can only assume that hidden construction, such as compartment walls above ceilings, is adequate.
Type 2: destructive inspection of common parts
A Type 2 assessment adds intrusive inspection of the common parts – for example lifting ceiling tiles, opening service risers or making small openings – to check compartmentation and fire-stopping. It usually needs a contractor to open up and make good. Many clients now commission a dedicated compartmentation survey instead.
Type 3: common parts and flats, non-destructive
A Type 3 assessment includes access to a sample of flats, looking at flat entrance doors, the protected entrance hall, detection in the flats and any obvious breaches of separation. It's appropriate where a stay put strategy depends on each flat being a fire-resisting compartment and there's reason to doubt it – for example in conversions, or where flats have been altered.
Type 4: common parts and flats, destructive
A Type 4 assessment combines Type 3 access with destructive inspection inside flats. It's disruptive, expensive and only appropriate where there are serious concerns – for example after a fire has shown unexpected spread, or where major construction defects are suspected.
Which type do you need?
- Start with Type 1 for most purpose-built blocks.
- Escalate where the Type 1 identifies concerns it can't resolve – unexplained assumptions about compartmentation, or doubts about stay put.
- Consider a retrospective fire strategy alongside, so the assessor knows how the building is supposed to work – see fire strategy vs fire risk assessment.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
The law doesn't set a fixed frequency. The responsible person must keep the assessment under review and update it if there's reason to think it's no longer valid, or after significant changes. Many managing agents review larger blocks annually, with full reassessment periodically, and more often for higher-risk buildings. Since 1 October 2023, the full assessment must be recorded in writing, including who carried it out.
Choosing the right type: examples
- A purpose-built 1990s block with good records and no concerns: a Type 1 is normally enough.
- A block where the Type 1 found unsealed holes in the riser cupboards: a compartmentation survey or Type 2 to check the common parts more thoroughly.
- A converted Victorian building operating stay put: a Type 3 to check flat entrance doors and separation inside a sample of flats.
- A block where a recent fire spread unexpectedly between flats: a Type 4, alongside specialist advice.
Our fire risk assessments cover all four types, and we'll recommend the right one for your building.
How we can help
We match each project to a qualified specialist and confirm the scope, the named professional and a fixed fee before you commit.
Sources
This guide is general information based on the law and guidance in England as at 8 November 2026. It isn't legal advice – for advice on a specific building, get in touch.