How long do I have to complete the fire door work?

Read the notice itself. An enforcement notice under the Fire Safety Order specifies its own period, which the Order says cannot be less than 28 days from service, and the authority can extend it if no appeal is pending. That minimum does not apply to prohibition notices, which can take effect immediately where the notice says so. A letter of deficiencies is informal and sets out its own expectations. We cannot tell you your deadline; it is in your document.

Can Parsec tell me whether my building now complies?

No. We carry out and record the door work in the scope. Whether the notice is satisfied is a matter for the enforcing authority, and whether the premises are adequately protected is a matter for the responsible person and their fire risk assessor. We do not give legal advice or compliance assurances.

Should I appeal the notice?

That is a legal decision for you and your advisers. The Order provides a right of appeal to a magistrates' court within 21 days of service. An appeal suspends an enforcement or alterations notice, but not a prohibition notice unless the court directs otherwise. We do not advise on appeals; take legal advice if you are considering one.

Do I need a fire door inspection before the works?

Sometimes the notice items are specific enough to price directly; sometimes a door-by-door formal inspection helps define the scope. Formal inspections and reports are arranged through our external specialist inspection partner. Our own visit only verifies the scope and price of the works.

What do I send for a quotation?

A copy of the notice or letter (you can redact unrelated parts), the fire risk assessment action list if you have one, the date on the notice, photographs of each door named, the building address and any access constraints.

Problem-Solving Guide

Fire Door Works After an Enforcement or Deficiency Notice

If a fire and rescue service visit has left you with a notice or a letter listing fire door problems, the practical task is to turn those items into a works scope you can get priced, programmed and recorded. This guide explains how to do that for the door items. It is general information for England and Wales, not legal advice.

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First, Identify What You Have Received

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 gives enforcing authorities powers to serve alterations notices, enforcement notices and prohibition notices (articles 29–31). Fire services also commonly send informal letters setting out deficiencies. The type of document affects what is required and when, so read it carefully and take advice if you are unsure. Source: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Part 3 (legislation.gov.uk, accessed 7 October 2026; applies in England and Wales).

Informal

Letter of deficiencies

Lists shortcomings the authority expects to be addressed. It is not a formal notice, but ignoring it can lead to formal action.

Article 30

Enforcement notice

Specifies the failure and requires steps to remedy it within a stated period, which the Order says cannot be less than 28 days from service.

Article 31

Prohibition notice

Prohibits or restricts use of premises where the risk is considered serious. It can take effect immediately on service where the notice says so; the 28-day minimum does not apply. Follow its terms and get advice immediately.

Article 29

Alterations notice

Requires the authority to be notified before certain changes. Major door works may fall within that; check the notice.

Pull Out The Door Items

Notices usually list several kinds of failing. Copy only the fire door items into a separate list, keeping the wording the authority used and any location given. Give each door a reference you will use throughout: in the quotation, on site and in the completion record.

If an item is vague, such as 'fire doors throughout are in poor condition', it cannot be priced accurately as written. That is where a door-by-door survey helps. A formal inspection and report can be arranged through our external specialist partner; alternatively, our pre-works visit can verify which doors are involved and what work they need, for pricing only.

Notice reference and date of service
Each fire door item, worded as in the notice
Door location and your reference
Any period or date stated in the document
Interim measures already in place, if any

Illustrative Example

Illustrative only, not a real notice: a letter after an audit of a small office lists three door items: a stair door wedged open, a plant room door with a missing closer, and a corridor door with large gaps and damaged edges.

The wedge is a management matter for the occupier. The closer is a defined repair. The corridor door needs assessment: if the doorset is identifiable and sound, gap correction and edge repair may be possible; if not, replacement. The quotation lists each item against the letter's wording, so the client can show the authority what was done for each.

Planning The Works Against The Period

Where a period applies, tell your contractor at the start. Quick repairs can usually be programmed early; replacement doorsets may need ordering, which affects timing. Ask for a programme that shows which items can be done first and which depend on supply, so you can keep the authority informed with a realistic plan.

The 28-day minimum applies to enforcement notices only, and under article 30 the authority may extend that period if no appeal is pending. A prohibition notice takes effect immediately if the authority is of that opinion and says so in the notice, otherwise at the end of the period it specifies (Fire Safety Order article 31). Article 35 gives a right of appeal to a magistrates' court within 21 days of service; an appeal suspends an alterations or enforcement notice, but not a prohibition notice unless the court so directs (Fire Safety Order article 35). Whether any of this applies to you is a matter for you and your advisers. Full article text read on legislation.gov.uk, 7 October 2026; England and Wales.

Records That Help You Respond

Completion record listing each notice item and the work done against it
Before and after photographs referenced to the same door IDs
Product information for any doorset or component fitted
Any item not completed, with the reason and the agreed next step
The record shows work done; it does not certify that the notice is satisfied

Services and guides that help after a notice.

Fire door repairs & remedials Fire door installation Partner-arranged inspections Remedial works from an FRA After a fire door inspection Repair or replacement?Records & close-out

Frequently Asked Questions

Get The Door Items On A Notice Priced

Send the notice or letter, the door items, photographs and any date it states. We will review the scope and provide a written quotation against each item.

Get a Fire Door Quote 07561 516094