FRA Type 1–4 Compliance: What Property Managers Must Know

For property managers and building owners, ensuring fire safety is a continuous and complex responsibility. A fundamental part of this is understanding Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs). While the term “FRA” is common, the nuances of FRA Type 1–4 compliance are often misunderstood. Choosing the correct type of assessment is crucial for meeting your legal obligations and safeguarding your buildings and their occupants.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all four FRA types, explaining their differences, purpose, and how they fit into a robust ongoing fire safety management strategy.

An Overview of FRA Types: Scope and Purpose

The four types of Fire Risk Assessments for residential buildings (as defined by the PAS 79 methodology) differ in their scope and level of intrusiveness. Each type serves a specific purpose, from a basic legal requirement to a detailed, investigative survey.

FRA Type 1: Common Parts (Non-Intrusive)
- Scope: This is the most common type. It is a visual survey of a building’s communal areas only, such as staircases, corridors, and plant rooms. It assumes the integrity of individual flats.
- Purpose: To satisfy the legal minimum requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for most residential buildings.
FRA Type 2: Common Parts (Intrusive)
- Scope: An intrusive investigation of the common parts only. It involves a contractor opening up sections of walls and ceilings to physically inspect hidden fire safety measures.
- Purpose: To investigate a specific, suspected defect in a building’s common areas that cannot be verified visually.
FRA Type 3: Common Parts & Dwellings (Non-Intrusive)
- Scope: A more comprehensive, non-intrusive survey covering both the common parts and a representative sample of individual dwellings (flats).
- Purpose: To gain a higher level of assurance about a building’s overall safety where a Type 1 is deemed insufficient, particularly in high-rise or high-risk residential properties.
FRA Type 4: Common Parts & Dwellings (Intrusive)
- Scope: The most comprehensive and intrusive assessment. It involves destructive inspection of both common parts and a sample of individual dwellings.
- Purpose: To definitively investigate widespread, serious fire safety concerns that can only be verified through physical, destructive checks.

Key Compliance Requirements for Property Managers

As a property manager or building owner, your duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO 2005) are clear: you must ensure a “suitable and sufficient” fire risk assessment is carried out. The choice of FRA type is a crucial part of this obligation.

FRA Type 1: This is the baseline. You must ensure you have a current, valid Type 1 FRA for your building’s common parts.

FRA Types 2, 3, & 4: While not mandatory for every building, a professional assessor may recommend one of these more in-depth assessments if a standard FRA raises significant concerns. Choosing to ignore such a recommendation could leave you exposed to legal liability.

Fire Safety Act 2021 & Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: Recent legislation brings a building’s external walls and flat entrance doors into the scope of the FSO. This means that even a Type 1 FRA should now include a visual assessment of these elements, and a Type 3 or 4 may be required to verify their integrity.

Frequency and Triggers for Different FRA Types

While an FRA should be reviewed at least annually and renewed every three to five years, specific events can trigger the need for a new or different type of assessment.

Ongoing Management: A Type 1 FRA is the backbone of your property manager fire safety strategy. Regular reviews ensure it remains up to date.
Suspected Issues: A Type 2 or Type 4 FRA is typically triggered by suspicion. If a visible issue suggests a hidden, systemic problem (e.g., poor fire stopping), an intrusive assessment is required to verify the extent of the defect.
Refurbishment or Change of Use: Any major works or a change in the building’s use (e.g., from commercial to residential) will require a new FRA. Depending on the scale, this may warrant a more in-depth survey.

Practical Considerations for Property Managers

Implementing a comprehensive fire safety plan involves more than just commissioning a report.

Planning and Budgeting: FRAs can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds. A Type 4 FRA, with destructive works, can be a major capital project. Plan accordingly and budget for both the survey and any subsequent remedial works.
Coordinating Access: For Type 3 and 4 FRAs, coordinating access to a sample of private dwellings is essential. This requires clear, transparent communication with residents.
Remedial Works: An FRA will likely result in a list of remedial actions. You must have a clear plan to address these issues promptly, prioritizing the most serious risks.
Accredited Professionals: The credibility of your FRA is entirely dependent on the person who carries it out. Always use a competent, accredited fire risk assessor with experience in the relevant FRA type and a deep understanding of PAS 79 methodology.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between FRA types and when to commission each one is fundamental to effective fire risk assessment compliance. A property manager’s job is not just to have a report but to have the right report for their building’s specific risks.

By proactively assessing your building, you can move from a reactive approach to a robust, long-term fire risk management strategy that protects occupants, assets, and your legal standing.

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This quick, easy form takes just a few minutes to complete. We’ll ask for your building’s key details along with any existing plans, Fire Risk Assessments (Types 1–4), or other fire-related reports. The more information you provide, the faster our accredited fire engineers can prepare an accurate, fixed-scope Fire Strategy Report quote.

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We only work with competent, insured fire risk assessors accredited under recognised third-party schemes. Every FRA, from Type 1 through to Type 4, is carried out in strict compliance with PAS 79 methodology.

Our assessors hold industry-recognised accreditations such as the IFE Fire Risk Assessors Register, BAFE SP205, and IFSM. Each professional is fully vetted, with memberships, qualifications, and insurance verified. All reports are PAS 79–compliant, clearly risk-rated, and written to meet the requirements of lenders, insurers, and regulators.

Whether you need a straightforward Type 1 common-parts inspection or a comprehensive Type 4 intrusive survey, we provide the right qualified assessor and take care of access, permits, and logistics from start to finish.

FRA Type 1–4 Compliance: What Property Managers Must Know

An Overview of FRA Types: Scope and Purpose

Key Compliance Requirements for Property Managers

Frequency and Triggers for Different FRA Types

Practical Considerations for Property Managers

Conclusion

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Accredited Fire Engineers — Nationwide Coverage

Fully Compliant with the Building Safety Act

Trusted by Property Managers Across the UK

Fast Turnaround — No Hidden Costs

Insurance-Approved EWS1 Reports

Accredited Fire Engineers — Nationwide Coverage

Fully Compliant with the Building Safety Act

Trusted by Property Managers Across the UK

Fast Turnaround — No Hidden Costs

Insurance-Approved EWS1 Reports

Building Details

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Only Accredited FRA Experts. No Exceptions.

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