How often should fire doors be checked in flats?

If you manage a block of flats in Maidstone and need to know how often should fire doors be checked, the answer depends on where the door sits. Communal fire door inspection intervals are set at every three months. These quarterly fire door checks blocks require cover every shared door along escape routes, stairwells and lobbies.

Flat entrance doors follow a different schedule. A flat entrance door annual check is the legal minimum under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. The interval does not change just because your building stands under eleven metres tall. Shorter blocks still need the same checking rhythm. You can read more about these rules on our page covering the [Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 in Maidstone](/the-law/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022-maidstone).

The specialist firm carrying out a fire door inspection in Maidstone flats will work through every communal door first, then arrange access for the entrance doors. Keeping to these intervals means problems get caught before smoke can bypass a closed door.

A proper check goes beyond a quick push and pull. The person inspecting the door examines the leaf, the frame, the hinges and the seals. They look for gaps around the edges that exceed three millimetres, since anything wider lets smoke through during a fire.

Intumescent strips and cold smoke seals must be present, intact and unpainted. The checker tests the self-closing device to confirm it pulls the door fully into the frame from any angle without slamming or stalling. Hinges need all their screws fitted tightly, with no missing pins or signs of wear.

Glazed panels must carry the correct fire rating mark, and the glazing beads should sit flush. Any damage, warping or holes drilled for unapproved hardware means the door fails. Understanding exactly what fails a fire door check helps landlords budget for replacements before an emergency forces the issue. For deeper detail, see our full guide to [Fire Door Inspection in Maidstone: Checks and Faults](/fire-door-inspection-maidstone).

Checking the flat entrance door requires looking at both faces, so someone needs to go inside each flat. Landlords must give residents reasonable written notice before the visit. Most tenants cooperate once they understand the check protects them.

If a tenant refuses access, the responsible person cannot simply skip the door. You must record the refusal and make further attempts, offering alternative dates. Persistent refusal may require formal legal steps, but most issues resolve with clear communication. The nominated person handling fire safety for the block usually coordinates this. Guidance on naming one is available through our [Nominated Fire Safety Person Maidstone](/nominated-person-service-maidstone) page.

Document every attempt to gain entry. If a fire occurs and a door was never inspected because access was denied, those records show you took reasonable steps. The specialist firm advising on your fire risk management will expect to see this paper trail.

After each inspection, the checker produces a written report noting the date, the specific door, its location and any faults found. These fire door records landlord kent authorities expect to see should list remedial actions taken and the dates repairs were completed.

Keep these logs for the life of the building. If a door is replaced, retain the old record alongside the certificate for the new installation. Store them digitally or in a physical folder kept on site or at your managing agent's office. They form part of your broader fire safety policy, which you can read more about on our [Fire Safety Policy Maidstone](/fire-safety-policy-and-procedures-maidstone) page.

During an audit by Kent Fire and Rescue Service or the local council, inspectors will ask for these documents first. Missing records suggest the checks never happened, regardless of what actually took place. A complete log proves compliance and protects the responsible person if questions arise after an incident.