Fire risk assessments in Chatham
Chatham grew up around the Royal Naval Dockyard, which operated for more than four centuries until 1984. Parts of the site are now a commercial port, and its historic buildings have found new uses.
- Fire authority
- Kent Fire and Rescue Service
- Local council
- Medway Council
- Who attends
- Our own IFSM-member assessors
- Distance
- about 6 miles from our office
- Accreditation
- BAFE SP205, ID 303595
With around 80,000 residents, the town is part of the Medway conurbation alongside Gillingham, Rochester, Strood and Rainham. Its premises mix converted dockyard buildings, a busy town centre and a large private rented sector, including many HMOs.
Regeneration around the waterfront and town centre continues to bring new flats and mixed-use schemes, while many older terraces have been converted into shared housing. Both bring responsibilities for landlords and managing agents.
We're only a short drive away and assess commercial, residential and mixed-use premises across the town.
Who needs a fire risk assessment in Chatham
- Converted dockyard and military buildings
- Historic structures adapted for offices, leisure and housing often have unusual layouts and escape routes. Thick walls and large open spaces behave differently from modern construction.
- HMOs and shared housing
- Medway brought in an Article 4 Direction in 2026 partly because of HMO concentrations in parts of Chatham. Converted terraces often have inner rooms and a single stair.
- Town-centre retail and offices
- Shops with flats or offices above need clear separation and protected escape routes. Upper-floor storage and accommodation are common weak points.
- Port and industrial premises
- Commercial port activity brings storage, plant and contractor risks. Contractors and hot work need clear permit arrangements.
Your local fire authority
Fire safety in Chatham is enforced by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which covers Kent and Medway. Its inspectors can visit premises, ask to see your fire risk assessment and issue enforcement notices under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Rules that apply in Chatham
- Medway Council introduced an Article 4 Direction in 2026 covering parts of Chatham, Gillingham and Strood, so converting a house into a small HMO there now needs planning permission.
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with 5 or more people forming 2 or more households. What this means
- Residents in any block of two or more flats must be given fire safety information. What this means
Chatham fire safety questions
Does the Medway Article 4 Direction affect fire safety?
It controls planning for new HMOs rather than fire safety itself. Existing HMOs still need a written fire risk assessment for their common parts.
Can you assess converted historic buildings at the dockyard?
Yes. We look at how the original structure affects compartmentation and escape, and recommend proportionate measures.
Do flats above shops in Chatham need an assessment?
Yes. The common parts of mixed-use buildings need a written assessment, and the shop needs its own.
We manage several properties in Chatham. Can you assess them all?
Yes. We regularly assess portfolios for landlords and managing agents and can schedule visits to keep every property on the same review cycle.
Who enforces fire safety for businesses in Chatham?
Kent Fire and Rescue Service enforces the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and can inspect premises and issue notices.
I have worked with Gary on a few projects now, he has always been very professional, knowledgeable and always keen to help where he can. I will continue to use Gary and have no problem recommending his services.
Nearby areas we cover
Get a free quote
Tell us about the building in Chatham and we'll come back to you with a free, no-obligation quote.
- Phone07810 861397
- Emailadmin@thefirenetwork.co.uk
- Office36 Laburnum Drive, Larkfield, ME20 6LU