Communal areas and flats

Communal areas

You must keep internal areas in your flat clean and clear to help keep you and your neighbours safe.

The communal areas in your block such as the stairs, stairwells, landings and corridors are escape routes for you and your neighbours if there is a fire, so must be clear of items. You must not wedge or leave any doors open for any reason as it will help fire to spread.

Fire and rescue services also need these areas to fight fire and evacuate people to safety.

Everyone living in your block is responsible for keeping the communal areas clear. Common items we come across are:

rubbish
furniture
prams/push chairs
plants
doormats
play equipment
mobility scooters
any other personal items

Flat Inspections

We'll inspect your block at least every two months. This may be more frequently if issues are picked up. See your flat information sheet in your communal noticeboard to find out when your next inspection's due.

If we find anything in the communal areas, we will dispose of it. If we find anything valuable we will try to identify the owner, if it is not removed, the item will be disposed of.

We clean the communal areas weekly. You are still responsible for keeping the communal areas clean, clear and tidy.

Door entry systems

All our blocks of flats and maisonettes have door entry systems to stop uninvited people entering the building. Help keep your building safe by not:

letting someone you do not know into the building
letting visitors into the building for your neighbour
asking your neighbours to let visitors in for you
wedging or leaving the door open for any reason

If you let strangers into the building, you will reduce the security for yourself and everyone else living in the block.

Mobility scooters

If you use a mobility scooter, please be aware that storing them or charging them up in the communal areas of flats is not permitted because of health and safety issues.

If you live in a block of flats, you must agree a suitable location for storage and charging of a scooter with us before you make a purchase. You will also be expected to produce a valid insurance certificate covering the use of the scooter.

If you wish to store and charge your mobility scooter in your own flat, we will inspect your home to ensure that you can still escape from your property quickly in an emergency.

As with other unauthorised items in communal areas, we may take action against you if you have not asked permission or store or charge your scooter in a communal area of your block.