This clause requires someone (usually the landlord or building owner) to conduct an official inspection to identify fire hazards in the building and create a written report. In the UK, the Fire Safety Order 2005 legally requires this for most buildings, so this clause simply confirms that legal duty will be done. It matters because a fire assessment protects you by identifying dangers like blocked exits or faulty alarms before they cause harm, and it shows the owner is taking safety seriously. If no assessment exists, you could inherit liability for fire safety problems you didn't know about.
Ask to see a copy of the existing fire risk assessment before you sign anything—don't just take the landlord's word that one exists. If the assessment is more than 12 months old, request that a new one be done at the landlord's cost, since buildings change and old reports become unreliable. ---
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this clause mean in simple terms?
This clause requires someone (usually the landlord or building owner) to conduct an official inspection to identify fire hazards in the building and create a written report.
Why should I care about this clause?
In the UK, the Fire Safety Order 2005 legally requires this for most buildings, so this clause simply confirms that legal duty will be done.
What are my options?
It matters because a fire assessment protects you by identifying dangers like blocked exits or faulty alarms before they cause harm, and it shows the owner is taking safety seriously.
How does this affect small businesses?
If no assessment exists, you could inherit liability for fire safety problems you didn't know about.