Who Is Responsible for Fire Door Safety? Understanding Your Legal Duties

One of the most common questions in fire safety is: who is actually responsible for fire door compliance? The answer lies within UK fire safety legislation, particularly the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and subsequent amendments.

In most non-domestic premises, responsibility falls to the “Responsible Person.” This may be a building owner, employer, managing agent, or person in control of the premises. In residential buildings, duties are often shared between landlords, managing agents, and building owners depending on the structure and use of the property.

Fire doors form a critical part of a building’s passive fire protection system. As such, responsible persons must ensure they are properly installed, regularly inspected, and maintained in efficient working order. Failure to do so can lead to enforcement action, prosecution, invalidated insurance, and—most importantly—serious risk to life.

Understanding responsibility is not about assigning blame; it is about ensuring accountability. Clear roles, documented inspections, and professional advice all help demonstrate compliance and reduce risk across the building lifecycle.