Building inspection deadlines in the UK.
The recurring inspections and checks that commercial buildings in the UK usually need, how often, and the rule behind each one. Checked November 2026.
Intervals and rules.
| Inspection | How often | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Fire detection and alarm system inspection and servicing | Every 6 months (recommended maximum) | BS 5839-1:2025; duty under the Fire Safety Order 2005, art. 17 |
| Emergency lighting full-duration test | Every 12 months, plus a monthly functional test | BS 5266-1; BS EN 50172 |
| Fire extinguisher basic service | Every 12 months; extended service every 5 years (CO2 every 10) | BS 5306-3:2017 |
| Fire door inspection | Commercial: no fixed legal interval. Residential over 11 m: communal doors every 3 months, flat entrance doors every 12 | Fire Safety Order 2005, art. 17; Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, reg. 10 |
| LOLER thorough examination of lifts | Every 6 months for passenger lifts, 12 for goods lifts, or per a written scheme | LOLER 1998, reg. 9 |
| Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) | Every 5 years for offices and shops (guidance) | Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, reg. 4; BS 7671; IET Guidance Note 3 |
| Commercial gas safety inspection | No fixed legal interval; yearly is common practice | Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, reg. 35 |
| Portable appliance testing (PAT) | Risk-based; no legal interval | Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; IET Code of Practice |
| Legionella risk assessment review | No fixed interval; review when anything changes | HSE ACOP L8; HSG274 |
| Asbestos management plan review | No fixed interval; keep it current | Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, reg. 4 |
| Lightning protection inspection | Classes I–II: visual yearly, full every 2 years; III–IV: 2 and 4 years | BS EN 62305-3, Annex E |
| Sprinkler system annual inspection | Every 12 months, plus weekly to 25-year tasks | BS EN 12845 |
This is a starting list, not legal advice. What a building needs, and how often, depends on its use, size, risk category and equipment, and rules change. Check with your qualified people and current official sources.
What catches people out.
- Guidance is not law. PAT testing, legionella reviews, asbestos plan reviews and commercial gas inspections have no statutory interval: they are risk-based, so set an interval you can defend.
- Gas Safe CP12 certificates are for residential lets, not commercial buildings.
- Scotland uses the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 instead of the Fire Safety Order.
This list is built into Dueclear.
Every building follows its country's list, with the interval and the rule it comes from. Your team confirms what applies; Dueclear reminds the owner from 60 days ahead and collects the new certificate from the contractor.
FAQ
How often do commercial buildings in the UK need inspections?
It depends on the system: see the table above for each inspection, its usual interval and the rule behind it. Intervals often depend on the building's use and size.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers the inspections most commercial buildings share. Your building may need others, depending on its activity and equipment.
How do I keep track of all these dates?
Put them in one register with an owner for each. Our free Excel template works out the next due date; Dueclear also reminds people and collects the certificates.