Question 1

What is a fire door certificate?

Accepted Answer

A fire door certificate is a written record confirming that each fire door has been inspected against the requirements of BS 9999 and BS EN 1634-1. It records the door's fire rating, condition of the intumescent strips and smoke seals, gap tolerance, self-closing device, and any faults found. The certificate is suitable for submission to your local authority or HMO licensing body.

Question 2

Which properties need fire door inspections?

Accepted Answer

Fire doors are required in all HMOs, blocks of flats with communal areas, and commercial buildings. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure fire doors are maintained in efficient working order. Most London HMO licence conditions require annual fire door inspections.

Question 3

What gap tolerance is required for fire doors?

Accepted Answer

The maximum permissible gap around the perimeter of a fire door is 3mm on the sides and top, and 8mm at the bottom (or up to 10mm in older buildings). Gaps beyond these limits allow smoke and fire to pass through and effectively invalidate the fire rating of the door. Our engineers measure all gaps and record them on the certificate.

Question 4

What happens if a fire door fails the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Failed doors are recorded on the certificate with a description of the defect and a priority rating. Common failures include worn intumescent strips, damaged smoke seals, excessive gaps, or faulty self-closing mechanisms. Many minor defects can be remediated on the same visit — ask us when booking.

Question 5

How often should fire doors be inspected?

Accepted Answer

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings above 11 metres to carry out quarterly checks of fire doors in communal areas and an annual check of flat entrance doors. For HMOs and smaller blocks, annual inspection is the standard recommendation and the typical HMO licence requirement.

Question 6

What is the difference between FD30 and FD60 fire doors?

Accepted Answer

FD30 fire doors are rated to resist fire for 30 minutes; FD60 for 60 minutes. Most HMOs and purpose-built residential blocks require FD30 doors on escape routes. FD60 doors are typically required in higher-risk or taller buildings. Our inspector will confirm the required rating during the inspection and note any non-compliance.

Question 7

Can you repair fire doors as well as inspect them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can carry out minor repairs during the inspection visit — replacing worn intumescent strips and smoke seals, adjusting self-closing mechanisms, and reattaching door furniture. Major remediation (rehinging, replacing core, or replacing the entire door) is quoted separately.

Question 8

How many fire doors does my HMO need?

Accepted Answer

HMO fire door requirements depend on the size and layout of the property and the conditions set by your local authority. Typically, all bedroom doors and kitchen doors on escape routes must be fire doors. Common area doors (corridor to stairway, flat entrance doors) must also meet the standard. Our inspector can advise on the specific requirements for your property.

Question 9

Which areas of London do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all 32 London boroughs including Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Camden, Westminster, and all other boroughs. A congestion zone supplement of £18 applies for properties within the TfL congestion zone.

Fire Door Certificate London from £119.99/door

Fire door inspection for London HMOs and blocks of flats

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Book with your door count

On-site inspection per door

Certificate emailed same day

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