Who the duties apply to
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 apply to the responsible person for buildings in England that contain two or more sets of domestic premises. All such buildings need residents to be given information about the importance of fire doors. The checking duties in Regulation 10 apply where the building has a storey more than 11 metres above ground level.
How often
In buildings over 11 metres, communal fire doors must be checked at least every three months. Flat entrance doors must be checked at least once a year, on a best-endeavours basis, because access depends on the resident.
A check is a visual inspection: is the door present and undamaged, does it close fully onto its frame unaided, are the intumescent strips and smoke seals in place, are the hinges and closer working, and are the gaps around the leaf within tolerance.
What a defensible record looks like
- Every door identified, so the same door can be found next quarter.
- The date, who checked it and the result against each check point.
- Photographs of defects, and the action raised.
- No-access attempts recorded, with dates, for flat entrance doors.
- Repairs and replacements closed out with the certificate for the work.
Repair or replace
Many defects can be repaired. Where a door carries third-party certification, the repair should follow a recognised method so the door keeps its performance. We repair under BM TRADA Q-Mark STD 058 using BM TRADA Accepted Repair Techniques, and replace with certified doorsets under STD 052 where a repair is not appropriate.
Before you cut into a door frame
In blocks built before 2000, door linings, frame packing and surrounding panels can contain asbestos insulating board. Check the asbestos register, and survey before any frame is cut out.
LE Group technical team · Reviewed November 2026. General guidance only, not legal advice.