BRISTOL AREAS
Fire risk assessment in Bristol: which licence applies in your area
How Bristol’s licensing schemes work area by area, and how they sit alongside the fire risk assessment.
Which parts of Bristol do you cover?
We cover Bristol and Bath. Our assessor visits the property, and the written report is the same wherever in the city it is. What changes from street to street is the licensing, which is set by the council area your property sits in. This page sets out how that works for the main parts of the city.
Which licence applies in my part of Bristol?
Bristol City Council runs a citywide Additional licensing scheme from 6 August 2024, and selective licensing in some wards. Mandatory licensing for HMOs of five or more people applies across the whole city. This table covers the areas people ask about most.
| Area | Additional (3 or 4 sharers) | Selective (other private lets) |
|---|---|---|
| Bishopston and Ashley Down | Yes, citywide scheme | Yes, from 6 August 2024 |
| Cotham | Yes, citywide scheme | Yes, from 6 August 2024 |
| Easton | Yes, citywide scheme | Yes, from 6 August 2024 |
| Bedminster | Yes, earlier scheme since 6 April 2022, now citywide | Yes, the council lists the ward |
| Brislington West | Yes, earlier scheme since 6 April 2022, now citywide | Yes, the council lists the ward |
| Horfield | Yes, earlier scheme since 6 April 2022, now citywide | Not listed |
| Clifton, Redland, Southville and the rest of the city | Yes, citywide scheme | Not listed on the council’s pages |
Licensing is set by council area, so check your exact address with Bristol City Council. An Additional licence under one of the earlier schemes that expires before 5 August 2029 has to be replaced by a citywide Additional licence when it runs out.
Do I need an Additional licence and a Selective licence?
No. They cover different kinds of let. Additional licensing is for houses or flats occupied by three or four unrelated people who share facilities. Selective licensing is for other privately rented properties occupied by one or two tenants, or a family, that are not HMOs. A property with a Mandatory licence does not need an Additional licence on top.
Does a licence replace the fire risk assessment?
No. Whichever licence applies, the fire risk assessment is a separate duty under the Fire Safety Order for the shared parts of an HMO or block of flats, and the council’s own fire safety standards for licensed HMOs are set out separately. See the HMO fire safety guide for what the assessment covers and the landlords and flats guide for blocks.
What if my Bristol property is a listed building?
Parts of Bristol, Clifton among them, have many listed Georgian and Victorian buildings. Altering the character of a listed building without consent is a criminal offence, so a fire door upgrade or other change may need consent as well as the fire safety work. Raise it early, before the work is specified.
Who carries out the assessment?
Our assessor, who covers Bristol and Bath. You deal with them directly once your enquiry has been passed on: they confirm the details, arrange the visit and provide the written report.
Frequently asked questions
Does Clifton need selective licensing?
Clifton is not listed among the selective licensing wards on the council’s pages. Additional licensing for HMOs of three or four people applies citywide, so a shared house in Clifton still needs a licence. Check your address with the council.
Does Redland or Southville need selective licensing?
Neither is listed among the selective licensing wards on the council’s pages, but the citywide Additional licensing scheme applies to HMOs of three or four people. Check your address with the council.
Which areas have selective licensing?
Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham and Easton from 6 August 2024, and Bedminster and Brislington West under the earlier scheme.
My Additional licence is from the earlier scheme. What happens when it expires?
If it expires before 5 August 2029 it has to be replaced by a citywide Additional licence when it runs out.
Does the fire risk assessment depend on where the property is?
No. The duty under the Fire Safety Order is the same across Bristol, but the licence that applies, and so what the council asks to see, depends on the area.
Do you cover areas outside Bristol?
We cover Bristol and Bath. If your property is elsewhere, send an enquiry and we will say whether we can help.
ENQUIRY
Tell us about your Bristol property.
Landlords and businesses across Bristol: share a few details and we’ll get back to you about an assessment.
Or call 0117 463 7863.
Or email hello@fire-risk-assessment-bristol.co.uk.
BRISTOL & BATH