Fire door regulations
Fire doors are part of the fire precautions the Responsible Person must maintain under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In blocks of flats in England, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 add specific duties: information for residents in every block with two or more flats, and recorded checks in buildings over 11 metres.
FD30 and FD60
The rating shows how long the door set resists fire in a test: FD30 for 30 minutes, FD60 for 60 minutes. An “S” (FD30S) means it also limits the passage of cold smoke, which needs smoke seals. Most doors in escape routes, flat entrance doors and HMO bedroom doors are FD30 or FD30S. A fire door only works as a complete door set: leaf, frame, hinges, closer, seals and glazing.
Duties in blocks of flats (England)
| Building | Duty |
|---|---|
| Two or more flats with common parts | Give residents information that fire doors should be kept shut, not tampered with, and that faults must be reported. |
| Over 11 metres high | Check fire doors in common parts at least every 3 months; use best endeavours to check flat entrance doors at least every 12 months; keep a record. |
| 18 metres or 7 storeys and above | Further duties under the same regulations, such as secure information boxes and wayfinding signs. |
What to check on each door
- Gaps: around 3 mm at the top and sides is the common guide (BS 8214 and manufacturers' data). Larger gaps let smoke and fire through.
- Self-closer: the door closes fully into the frame from any angle and overcomes the latch.
- Seals: intumescent strips and smoke seals present and undamaged.
- Hinges: at least three, fixed firmly with no missing screws.
- Glazing and leaf: no cracks, holes or unapproved alterations such as cat flaps or letterboxes.
- Signage: “Fire door keep shut” on doors that should be kept closed.
- Not wedged open: use approved hold-open devices linked to the fire alarm instead.
Check your doors on your phone. The free fire door inspection form walks through each point and gives you a dated PDF record. Pro keeps quarterly reminders and all your records in one place.
Fire door inspection form See ProQuestions
Who is responsible for fire doors in a block of flats?
The Responsible Person, usually the freeholder or managing agent, for doors in the common parts and, in many leases, for the flat entrance doors as well. Leaseholders must not alter a fire door without consent.
Do houses need fire doors?
Single family houses are not covered by the Fire Safety Order. Building Regulations can require fire doors in houses with three or more storeys and in loft conversions. HMOs usually need FD30 doors to bedrooms and kitchens.
Can I paint a fire door?
Yes, but do not paint over intumescent strips or smoke seals.
Checked against gov.uk guidance on the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, October 2026. Related: HMO fire risk assessment · fire alarm testing.