Communal Areas

Keeping Communal Areas Safe and Clear

Communal areas such as hallways, staircases, landings and shared gardens are shared by everyone. We all play a part in keeping these spaces safe, accessible and welcoming.

Our Responsibilities as Your Landlord

We are responsible for maintaining communal areas so they are safe, clean and fit for use. This includes the following.

Regular inspections

Our staff carry out periodic checks of communal areas when on site to identify safety issues, damage or changes that may increase risk. We also ask our contractors to report any repairs or defects they notice when visiting our buildings.

Fire safety and risk management

Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) are a legal requirement. They identify fire hazards, assess how safe a building is, and confirm what measures are needed to protect residents.

• We carry out a full Fire Risk Assessment at least every three years, or sooner if circumstances change.
• A new or updated FRA will be completed whenever something happens that could affect fire safety, including:
  • changes to the building layout or escape routes
  • refurbishments or structural alterations
  • changes in how the building is used
  • an increase in residents or vulnerabilities
  • new fire-related equipment or ignition sources
  • a fire, near miss or enforcement action
  • changes to fire safety guidance or legal standards

Although we do not have any high-risk residential buildings, we have robust fire safety measures in place across all our homes. Depending on the building, communal areas may include:

• fire-resisting doors
• emergency lighting
• smoke detection systems
• automatic air vents
• fire safety or evacuation information displayed in communal areas

Any actions identified through fire risk assessments are managed and addressed as part of our ongoing responsibilities.

Fire detection and safety systems

Fire detection and safety equipment in communal areas — including emergency lighting, smoke detectors and automatic air vents — is serviced and maintained twice a year by specialist contractors. Any remedial works identified are reported to us and completed within 28 days.

Electrical safety

Electrical inspections of communal areas are carried out every three years. Any remedial works identified during these inspections are completed within 28 days.
Our staff also carry out visual checks when on site, and residents are encouraged to report any electrical faults or damage.

Flat entrance fire doors

As part of fire risk assessments, the front doors to individual flats are inspected. We write to residents at least four weeks in advance if access is required. Checks include:

• confirmation that the door is a certified fire door
• ensuring a working self-closer is fitted
• checking gaps around the door are within safe limits
• checking intumescent seals are present and intact
• ensuring hinges are secure and screws are not missing

Cleaning and upkeep

Each site has a cleaning regime appropriate to the building and its use. This may include cleaning of floors, staircases, entrances and other shared areas. If you have concerns about cleanliness or standards, please let us know.

Repairs and maintenance

We are responsible for maintaining and repairing communal elements such as lighting, doors, handrails and safety systems. Report any issues to us so they can be dealt with promptly.

Your Responsibilities as a Resident

Keep communal areas clear

Please do not store personal belongings in shared spaces. This includes shoes, prams, bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, wheelchairs, furniture, boxes or pot plants. These items create fire risks and obstruct escape routes.

No obstructions

Corridors, stairways, landings and fire escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Obstructions can cause trips and slips and may block access for emergency services.

Fire safety

• Never prop or wedge open fire doors or the main entrance door. These doors are part of the building’s fire safety design and help prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Leaving them open also allows unauthorised access to the building.
• Do not tamper with emergency safety equipment such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, emergency lighting or automatic air vents.
• Report any damage or faults to fire doors, lighting or electrical systems immediately.

No smoking

Smoking is prohibited anywhere in internal communal areas. This is a legal requirement.

Rubbish

Dispose of rubbish properly using the appropriate bins and never leave waste in communal areas.

Gardens and outdoor shared spaces

If you use a shared garden, please follow any site-specific rules. This may include guidance on play equipment, personal furniture or planting.

Report problems

Let us know as soon as possible if you notice damage, safety concerns or repairs needed in communal areas.