Fire Risk Assessment in Bristol
Bristol has a lot of older buildings doing new jobs: Georgian and Victorian houses split into flats and HMOs, warehouses turned into offices and homes, and a dense centre of shops, bars and restaurants. Avon Fire and Rescue Service enforces the Fire Safety Order across the city.
Typical fees are £200 to £450 for small premises and £250 to £600 for an HMO, before VAT.
- Enforcer
- Avon Fire and Rescue Service
- HMO licensing
- CitywideAdditional scheme from 6 August 2024
- Selective licensing
- Three wardsBishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham, Easton
- HMO
- £250 to £600Ex VAT
Who enforces fire safety in Bristol?
Avon Fire and Rescue Service enforces the Fire Safety Order for businesses, public buildings and the common parts of flats and HMOs.
Bristol City Council enforces housing standards and licensing. On 6 August 2024 it brought in a citywide additional licensing scheme for HMOs and a selective scheme for Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham and Easton.
What do Bristol assessors see most?
- Tall Georgian and Victorian houses in Clifton, Cotham and Redland converted to flats or HMOs, with one timber stair as the only way out.
- Student HMOs, now all licensed under the citywide scheme, where the licence application asks about fire safety.
- Harbourside and city-centre conversions with mixed use and several responsible persons sharing a stair.
- Short-term and holiday lets, which count as businesses under fire safety law when guests pay.
Landlords, agents and businesses in Bristol: get written fees from a competent assessor.
Get assessor quotesWhat does it cost in Bristol?
Typical UK fees from a council fire safety team’s 2026 fee list and published price guides we reviewed, November 2026. Fees follow the building more than the postcode; central sites can add a little for travel and parking.
| Premises | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 m² Small shop, café, salon, small office | £200 to £450 |
| 100 to 500 m² Restaurant, pub, surgery, office floor | £350 to £650 |
| 500 to 1,000 m² Primary school, small hotel, workshop | £500 to £950 |
| 1,000 to 2,500 m² Secondary school, warehouse, care home | £800 to £1,500 |
| Over 2,500 m² Factory, large office, multi-building site | £1,300 to £3,000 |
| Flats, Type 1 Common parts | £350 to £1,000 |
| HMO Common parts and escape route | £250 to £600 |
Questions from Bristol
How much does a fire risk assessment cost in Bristol?
Fees follow floor area and complexity more than postcode. Typical UK bands are £200 to £450 up to 100 m², £350 to £650 for 100 to 500 m² and £500 to £950 for 500 to 1,000 m², before VAT. Try the fee calculator for your premises.
Does a fire risk assessment have to be redone every year?
The law says it must be reviewed regularly and whenever something significant changes. Many organisations review yearly and commission a fresh assessment every few years, or after building work or a change of use.
Does every HMO in Bristol need a licence?
Since 6 August 2024, the council’s additional licensing scheme covers HMOs citywide, on top of the national mandatory licensing of larger HMOs.
Does a holiday let in Bristol need a fire risk assessment?
Yes. Paying guests bring self-catering and short-term lets under the Fire Safety Order, so the owner or manager is the responsible person.
Will Avon Fire and Rescue Service do my assessment?
No. The fire service enforces and advises; the responsible person arranges the assessment.
Ask for fire risk assessment quotes in Bristol
Three short steps: where the premises are, what they are like, and how to reach you. About two minutes.
Thanks, your enquiry is in.
- We will email or call to tell you which fire risk assessor covers your area and type of premises.
- Your details reach that firm only if you say yes.
- They agree the scope with you and give you a written fee. No marketing from us, ever.