Regulation 10 explained: how often to check fire doors

In England, residential buildings over 11 metres need communal fire doors checked every three months and flat front doors at least once a year, on a best-endeavours basis. Smaller and non-residential buildings follow their fire risk assessment.

Who it 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 with two or more homes and shared areas.

Building	What Regulation 10 asks for
Over 11 metres	Communal fire doors (including self-closers) checked every three months. Flat entrance doors checked at least every twelve months, on a best-endeavours basis. Fire door information given to residents.
11 metres or under	Fire door information given to residents. Check frequency set by the fire risk assessment.

Eleven metres is roughly four storeys or more. If you’re not sure of your building’s height, ask your fire risk assessor.

“Best endeavours” for flat doors

Flat doors are inside people’s homes, so you can’t always get in. The law asks for a genuine, recorded effort: letters sent, appointments offered, visits attempted. If a resident refuses, log it and try again.

Everything else

Offices, schools, care homes, hotels and smaller blocks still fall under the Fire Safety Order, which requires fire doors to be maintained. The fire risk assessment sets how often they’re checked.

Outside England

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.

The Reg 10 Planner turns these rules into a 12-month schedule for your building.