How often should fire doors be checked?
In England, the frequency depends on the building — specifically whether it has a storey over 11 metres. Here is the rule, and what applies below that threshold.
Over 11 metres — the regulation 10 frequencies
In multi-occupied residential buildings with a storey over 11 metres, regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 requires:
- •Quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts.
- •Annual checks, on a best-endeavours basis, of all flat entrance doors that open onto the common parts.
These have applied since 23 January 2023, and are minimums — a busy or damaged door may need checking more often.
11 metres or below
The fixed quarterly and annual regulation 10 check frequencies do not apply. The Fire Safety Order still requires appropriate general fire precautions and maintenance of fire doors, so a sensible, risk-based check routine still applies — just not the fixed regulation 10 cadence. Separately, regulation 10 requires responsible persons to give residents fire-door information in all relevant multi-occupied residential buildings, regardless of height.
Routine check, not detailed inspection
These frequencies are for the routine visual fire-door check. A detailed inspection by a competent fire-door inspector is a separate exercise, arranged on its own basis or when a routine check raises concerns.
Never miss a quarterly or annual check
Complys holds a fire-door register and schedules the quarterly common-parts and annual flat-entrance checks with reminders, keeping the evidence for the fire and rescue authority.
Fire door inspection software →FAQs
How often must fire doors be checked?
In England, in multi-occupied residential buildings with a storey over 11 metres, regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 requires quarterly checks of fire doors in the common parts and — on a best-endeavours basis — annual checks of flat entrance doors. These are minimum frequencies; higher-traffic or higher-risk doors may warrant more frequent checks.
What about buildings 11 metres or below?
The fixed quarterly/annual regulation 10 frequencies do not apply. The Fire Safety Order still requires appropriate general fire precautions and maintenance of fire doors, so a sensible, risk-based check routine still applies. Separately, regulation 10 requires responsible persons to give residents fire-door information in all relevant multi-occupied residential buildings, regardless of height.
Do these frequencies apply across the UK?
No. Regulation 10 and these frequencies are specific to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own fire-safety regimes; check the rules for the relevant nation.
Related: fire door regulations, what a fire-door check covers, and fire door inspection software. England-specific; general information, not legal advice.