By FRA scope
A fire risk assessment covering the common parts plus a sample of individual flats, all non-destructive. Used when the dutyholder needs to consider fire safety inside dwellings without invasive opening up.
What it adds
Type 3 covers everything in a Type 1 (common parts, non-destructive) plus a non-destructive inspection of a sample of flats. The flat sample inspection covers flat entrance doors and their self-closing arrangements, internal smoke detection where the dutyholder has a duty for it, escape arrangements within the flat, and any visible signs of unauthorised modifications affecting compartmentation.
When commissioned
Sample selection and access
The sample is typically agreed with the dutyholder: a percentage of flats, or specific flats selected to give coverage across the building (different floors, different orientations, different occupancy types where relevant). Access is arranged in advance with residents through the managing agent or housing officer.
Refusal of access is a recordable outcome that does not invalidate the assessment. The FRA records the refused-access flats, the reason if given, and any follow-up planned. The Equality Act and the right to peaceful enjoyment of the home both bear on access; force is not part of the FRA process.
Common pitfalls
In FRA Flow
In FRA Flow, a Type 3 assessment uses the standard workbench plus structured fields for the flat sample: a sample-selection record, per-flat inspection records, refused-access records, photographic evidence per inspected flat. The output report distinguishes common-parts findings from flat-level findings while keeping them within a single audit trail.
FAQ
Sample size is agreed with the dutyholder and the competent assessor. Typical ranges are 10-25% of flats for a building of moderate size, with more coverage for buildings where concerns have been raised. The sample size needs to be large enough to support the conclusions drawn.
Refused access is a recordable outcome, not a failure. The FRA records the refused-access flats, the reason if given, and any follow-up planned. The Equality Act and the right to peaceful enjoyment of the home apply; entry by force is not part of the FRA process.
Visible modifications, yes. Concealed modifications (changes behind plasterboard, in service voids, in floors) require a Type 4 with destructive inspection. The Type 3 records what could be observed and flags any concern that warrants deeper investigation.
A Type 3 takes longer than a Type 1 because of the flat-sample inspections. For a medium-sized block, expect 1-2 days of additional site time on top of the Type 1 work, plus the access arrangement lead time.
Type 3 is appropriate when there are specific concerns about flat-level fire safety. If the concerns are about concealed compartmentation rather than visible flat-level features, Type 4 (with destructive inspection) may be more appropriate. The competent assessor and the dutyholder agree the scope.
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