When selling a flat or a building containing more than one dwelling in Eastbourne or elsewhere across Sussex, it is now very common for solicitors to request a fire risk assessment as part of the conveyancing process.
This often arises late in the transaction and can cause unnecessary delays if it hasn’t been arranged early. This article explains when a fire risk assessment is required, what solicitors are looking for, and how estate agents can help keep sales progressing smoothly.
A fire risk assessment is normally required where a building contains communal areas, including:
Converted houses split into flats
Small blocks of flats
Buildings with shared staircases, corridors or entrances
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Safety Act 2021, the Responsible Person (often the freeholder or managing agent) must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place for the common parts of the building.
This applies equally to small buildings with only two flats, which is a common point of confusion during property sales.
Solicitors are acting to protect both the buyer and the lender. They are typically seeking confirmation that:
Fire safety obligations have been met
There are no unmanaged risks within the communal areas
The building is compliant with current fire safety legislation
Where no assessment exists, or where it is clearly outdated, this can lead to additional enquiries, delays, or requests for retrospective assessments mid-transaction.
For residential buildings, the assessment relates to the communal areas only, not the internal accommodation of individual flats.
The inspection usually includes:
Escape routes and staircases
Flat entrance and communal fire doors
Fire alarm systems, where fitted
Emergency lighting and signage
Electrical intake cupboards and risers
General housekeeping and potential fire hazards
A clear written report is provided, including an action plan where improvements, if any, are identified.
This is often a concern for sellers, but it should not be.
A fire risk assessment is not a pass or fail document. It is a professional assessment of risk. Many reports identify minor or low-cost actions that can be planned without preventing a sale from proceeding.
For estate agents and solicitors, having a current assessment in place provides reassurance that risks have been identified and managed appropriately.
We understand that property transactions are time-sensitive.
We’ll work with you to get a site visit and report completed as soon as possible to avoid any further delays to your flat sale.
Fire risk assessments can be carried out with someone present, or unaccompanied, provided access is available to the communal areas.
Southern Fire Risk Assessments is an independent fire risk assessment company based in Sussex. We do not upsell unnecessary products.
This independence is particularly important for estate agents and solicitors, as it ensures:
Objective, proportionate recommendations
Clear reporting suitable for legal enquiries
No conflict of interest
Where requested, we can also carry out fire door inspections on flat entrance doors, which are commonly queried during conveyancing.
These inspections are charged separately, with a short written report provided for each door. This can be especially helpful where buyers or solicitors request specific confirmation regarding fire door compliance.
For estate agents, freeholders and solicitors dealing with residential sales across Eastbourne and Sussex, arranging a fire risk assessment early can help prevent last-minute issues and keep transactions moving.
If you would like advice or a quote, we are always happy to explain what is required and guide you through the process.
Contact Southern Fire Risk Assessments on 07867 764874 or email us today!
