Guide · updated 9 October 2026
Regulation 10 fire door checks explained
Short answer: Regulation 10, in force since 23 January 2023, requires quarterly checks of communal fire doors and best-endeavours annual checks of flat entrance doors in English residential buildings with storeys over 11 metres, and fire door information for residents in all buildings with two or more flats.
- In force 23 January 2023
- England only
- Quarterly communal checks above 11 m
- Annual flat entrance door checks on best endeavours
What is regulation 10?
Regulation 10 is the part of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 that deals with fire doors in multi-occupied residential buildings. It came into force on 23 January 2023 and sits alongside the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Which buildings does regulation 10 cover?
The checking duties apply to multi-occupied residential buildings in England with storeys over 11 metres in height. The duty to give residents fire door information applies to all multi-occupied residential buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises that have common parts.
What checks are required?
- Every three months: all fire doors in the common parts, including their self-closing devices. Lift landing doors are excluded.
- Every year, on a best-endeavours basis: all flat entrance doors that open onto common parts, including their self-closing devices.
What must residents be told?
Residents must be told that fire doors should be kept shut when not in use, that they should not tamper with self-closing devices, and that they should report any fault or damage immediately. This information is given when they move in and then every year.
Does the person doing the checks need to be certificated?
No. The government fact sheet says the responsible person should be able to carry out the basic checks and a specialist is not needed for them. A more detailed check by a specialist may be appropriate where damage is found. Many responsible persons outsource the checks so they happen on time and are recorded consistently.
What does best endeavours mean for flat doors?
The responsible person decides how to engage residents to gain access, for example by agreeing a date. Where access is refused or not possible, they should keep evidence of their attempts, such as letters and emails.
Does regulation 10 apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. It is English law. Fire doors in the rest of the UK must still be maintained under local fire safety legislation, and many landlords adopt the same routine as good practice.
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Related questions
Which buildings need quarterly fire door checks?
In England, regulation 10 applies to multi-occupied residential buildings with storeys over 11 metres. All fire doors in the common parts must be checked at least every three months. Lift landing doors are excluded.
Does the person doing the check have to be certificated?
The government fact sheet says the responsible person should be able to do the basic checks themselves and that a specialist is not needed for them. Many responsible persons still outsource the checks to make sure they happen on time and are properly recorded.
Who is responsible for a flat entrance fire door?
It depends on the lease, but since the Fire Safety Act 2021 the Fire Safety Order clearly covers flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings, so the responsible person must account for them in the fire risk assessment even where the leaseholder owns the door.
What does best endeavours mean?
The government fact sheet describes it as the responsible person deciding how to engage residents to gain access and keeping evidence, such as correspondence, where access is refused or not possible.
Sources checked 9 October 2026: GOV.UK Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 fact sheets; BSI and FPA announcements on BS 8214:2026; FDIS published inspection data. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
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