Communal Area Policy

We are committed to keeping you and your neighbours safe. To support this, we have a Communal Areas Policy (PDF, 317KB) that sets out how shared spaces must be used.

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of the Policy is to ensure all communal areas remain clean, tidy, and free from personal belongings. Items left in shared spaces can:

• increase the risk of a fire spreading
• accidentally start fires if they are flammable
• block or slow down escape routes during an emergency
• produce harmful smoke
• make it harder for Emergency Services to gain access
• cause trips, slips, or falls

The Policy exists to protect everyone. We will always try to work with you so any personal items can be safely stored inside your home.

For these reasons, we operate a zero-tolerance approach to items being left in communal areas.

About the Policy

Communal areas are not permitted to be used for storage or disposal of belongings or rubbish. These areas must remain clear and sterile, meaning free from obstructions, combustible materials and ignition sources.

This approach helps to ensure:

• safe evacuation in an emergency
• compliance with fire safety and housing legislation
• a clean, safe and well-maintained environment for all residents

If any belongings are found in communal areas staff will remove them straight away to prevent safety hazards for all residents living in our blocks.

Removed items will be stored for one calendar month. Please be aware that there may be a charge for returning items, as storage costs will apply.

We ask you to remind friends and neighbours to keep communal areas clear too. If items remain unclaimed, the cost of storage may need to be shared across the block as part of a service charge.

What happens to items removed from a communal area? 

If we do remove something from a communal area, we will leave a card with information about what you need to do next. We understand that no one wants their belongings taken away, and we will always aim to support you in finding safe storage inside your home. These steps are in place to help keep everyone protected.

The Policy covers all communal spaces such as corridors, stairwells and landings, shared lounges, and kitchens, and requires them to remain free from:

• rubbish or unwanted items, including furniture waiting to be disposed of
• decorative items such as door mats, wall hangings, or plant pots
• bicycles, prams, scooters, mobility scooters, or similar equipment
• tools, paint, gardening equipment, and other hardware
• personal belongings such as storage boxes, toys, barbecues, and similar items
• electric bicycles, electric scooters and similar battery-powered devices must not be stored or charged in communal areas due to the increased fire risk.

Exceptions to the Policy

We recognise that, in limited circumstances, reasonable adjustments or permissions may be agreed, for example where a resident has a disability and an item is required as part of a support or memory aid.

Any exception must:

• be formally agreed by the Council
• be supported by a risk assessment
• be confirmed in writing

Permission does not apply to internal corridors, stairwells or escape routes.

If you have any questions or need information please refer to our communal areas policy or contact us.