How often should fire doors be inspected? Regulation 10 explained
In England, residential buildings over 11 metres must have communal fire doors checked every three months and flat entrance doors at least every twelve months on a "best endeavours" basis. Other buildings should follow the frequency set by their fire risk assessment.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Who Regulation 10 applies to
Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into force on 23 January 2023. It applies to the Responsible Person for residential buildings in England that contain two or more sets of domestic premises and have common parts.
| Building | What Regulation 10 requires |
|---|---|
| Over 11 metres | Quarterly checks of all communal fire doors, including self-closers. Annual “best endeavours” checks of all flat entrance doors. Fire door information for residents. |
| 11 metres or under | Fire door information for residents. Check frequency set by the fire risk assessment. |
Eleven metres is roughly four or more storeys. If you’re not sure, ask your fire risk assessor.
What “best endeavours” means for flat doors
Flat entrance doors sit inside people’s homes, so you can’t always get access. The law asks you to make a genuine effort and record it: letters sent, appointments offered, attempts made. If a resident refuses, log it and try again later.
What a routine check involves
Home Office guidance says Regulation 10 checks can be done in-house by someone with simple instruction. A routine check usually looks at:
- Gaps around the door that look too large
- Damaged or missing seals
- Hinges that are loose or missing screws
- Whether the self-closer shuts the door fully and latches it
- Any damage to the door or frame
A routine check isn’t the same as a full inspection by a qualified inspector, which tests each door against its test evidence and BS 8214:2026.
Buildings outside Regulation 10
Offices, schools, healthcare, hotels and smaller blocks still fall under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires fire doors to be maintained. The fire risk assessment should set the frequency. A professional inspection every six months, with routine visual checks in between, is common practice.
Regulation 10 applies in England only. Wales follows the Fire Safety Order and Fire Safety Act, but not Regulation 10’s schedule. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own laws.