Fire-Rated Doors for Newcastle Landlords: What You Must Know

If you rent out property in Newcastle, meeting fire safety regulations isn’t just best practice — it’s the law.

Fire-rated doors are a key part of any landlord’s responsibilities, especially in HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), flats, and converted buildings. But many landlords aren’t sure what’s required, where these doors should be fitted, or how to prove compliance.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we regularly work with local landlords to supply and install fully certified fire doors that meet UK regulations. This guide explains exactly what you need to know — and how to stay compliant without overcomplicating things.

What is a fire-rated door?

A fire-rated door is designed to withstand fire and smoke for a set period of time — usually 30 or 60 minutes.

They:

• Slow the spread of flames
• Contain smoke
• Protect escape routes
• Give occupants more time to evacuate
• Help fire services do their job safely

In most rental properties, FD30-rated doors (30-minute resistance) are the standard.

Do landlords in Newcastle need fire-rated doors?

Yes — in many cases.

The legal requirement comes from The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and is enforced by local councils and fire authorities.

You’ll need fire doors if:

• Your property is an HMO
• You rent out a flat or maisonette
• The property is three storeys or more
• There’s a loft conversion
• Rooms open onto a shared escape route
• There are more than two unrelated tenants

Even in single-let houses, fire doors may be required if you’re converting rooms or changing layouts.

Where do fire doors need to be installed?

In most cases, fire-rated doors are needed:

• Between the kitchen and hallway or lounge
• On all bedroom doors in HMOs
• On doors leading to staircases or shared corridors
• On doors connecting flats to communal areas
• On internal garage access doors

Every property is different. At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we always carry out a site check or work from floorplans to identify the correct placements.

What makes a fire door compliant?

To meet UK standards, a fire-rated door must:

• Be FD30 or FD60 certified (check the label or certificate)
• Be installed with intumescent strips that expand in heat
• Include a self-closing mechanism
• Have fire-rated hinges, locks, and hardware
• Be fitted by someone competent (ideally a certified installer)

A fire door that isn’t fitted correctly won’t perform in an emergency — and won’t pass an inspection.

How do you prove compliance?

Landlords must be able to show that fire doors meet the required standard.

This means:

• Keeping installation certificates or datasheets
• Documenting the rating (FD30/FD60) of each door
• Ensuring the door is maintained in working condition
• Carrying out regular checks for damage or faults

It’s also good practice to include door information in your fire risk assessment.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Local councils and fire services carry out regular inspections — especially in HMOs.

Failure to install or maintain proper fire doors can result in:

• Enforcement notices
• Civil penalties
• Rent repayment orders
• Prosecution in serious cases

Beyond the legal risks, failure to comply puts tenants at serious risk in the event of a fire.

Can fire doors still look good?

Yes. Modern fire doors don’t have to look industrial or bulky.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we supply stylish FD30-rated doors in a range of finishes — including timber effect, glazed panels, and custom colours. Many are virtually indistinguishable from standard internal doors.

We also offer external-rated fire doors where required for flat entrances and shared buildings.

Final thoughts

If you’re a landlord in Newcastle, installing and maintaining fire-rated doors isn’t optional — it’s essential.

The good news is that staying compliant doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With the right advice and quality materials, you can protect your tenants, meet your legal duties, and upgrade the look of your property at the same time.

Need help choosing or installing fire doors? Get in touch with Windows and Doors Newcastle. We’ll walk you through what’s required for your property and ensure everything is installed to current safety standards.