What does a fire risk assessment cost in 2026?
Updated 29 September 2026
A fire risk assessment for a small shop, office or HMO usually costs a few hundred pounds. Larger or higher-risk premises such as care homes cost more. The price depends mainly on the size and complexity of the building and on the assessor’s level of competence, not on where you are.
Typical prices
| Premises | Typical price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small HMO or small block of flats | from £465 + VAT (fixed-price national provider) | Safelincs |
| Office, shop, pub or light industrial | from £681 inc VAT (fixed-price national provider) | Safelincs |
| Commercial premises, London survey | £185–£350; HMOs up to £550 | HSE Property Checks |
| Care home (up to 50 beds) | from £792 inc VAT | Safelincs |
| Care home | £800–£2,500 | Fire Risk Assessment Network |
Local independent assessors often quote below the national fixed-price firms for simple premises. It is worth getting two or three quotes. Ask each assessor to confirm the same scope, so you are comparing like with like.
What changes the price
- Size and layout. More floors, rooms and escape routes mean more time on site and a longer report.
- Who sleeps there. Premises where people sleep (HMOs, flats, care homes, hotels) need more detailed assessment of escape routes, alarms and compartmentation.
- Type of assessment. A standard “Type 1” assessment of a block of flats is non-destructive. Assessments that open up walls or flat entrance doors (Types 2–4) cost considerably more.
- Assessor competence level. Complex or high-risk buildings need an assessor at a higher competence level (see how to check an assessor). Their day rate is higher.
- Follow-up. Some quotes include a re-visit or a review after you’ve done the remedial work; others charge for it.
What you should get for your money
Since 1 October 2023, section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 requires the responsible person for any non-domestic premises to record the whole fire risk assessment, including all its findings. They must also record the name of the person (and organisation) who carried it out. See GOV.UK’s guidance on section 156. A proper quote should therefore include:
- a written report that identifies the hazards and the people at risk;
- an evaluation of existing fire precautions (detection and alarm, escape routes, emergency lighting, fire doors, signage, extinguishers);
- a prioritised action plan;
- the assessor’s name, organisation and competence level.
For housing, including HMOs and blocks of flats, the relevant code of practice is BS 9792:2025. It replaced PAS 79-2 in 2025 (CHSG). It’s reasonable to ask an assessor whether they work to it.
Can I do it myself?
The law requires a “suitable and sufficient” assessment by the responsible person. For a small, simple, low-risk premises some owners do it themselves using official guidance. Once people sleep on the premises, or the building is complex, most responsible persons appoint a competent assessor. If the fire service finds the assessment inadequate, the responsibility is still yours.
Find an assessor
Our town pages show fire risk assessors near you. You can see which ones state BAFE SP205 certification and which premises types they cover: Somerset & Wiltshire · North & East Yorkshire.
Find a firm near you: Westbury · Selby · Richmond · all towns