Safety in communal areas

We will aim to identify to whom the item(s) belong so we can request their removal; however, we may remove the item(s) immediately.

We may place the item(s) in the communal bin store area if there is one; however, if the item is still in the bin store area on the next inspection, it will be disposed of. If the issue continues, we may recharge the cost of the removal and tipping to the person who owned it or take action against a tenancy.

These usually form part of the fire protection of the building for both tenants and leaseholders. No alterations or replacement of doors should be made without our written consent. DO NOT interfere with or remove any door closer provided on a door. Also, DO NOT prop open any doors.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives by providing early warning and extra time for you to escape if there is a fire or a carbon monoxide leak. You must test both alarms monthly to check that they are in good working order and keep everyone safe. Find out more on testing alarms here.

Please note that it is a breach of your tenancy/lease to dump rubbish. If rubbish is proven to have been left by you or your visitor, you will be charged for its removal.

If you have a mobility aid currently stored in the communal area, please contact your housing officer urgently so we can discuss suitable storage solutions away from the communal area that do not create a fire safety risk.

To try and prevent the spread of fire between flats, such as from gaps created by pipework, a fire-resistant sealant or similar is used to fill the gap. If you notice any gaps in your flat, please report this to us and we can arrange to have them fire-stopped.

Occasionally, electrical white goods, such as fridge freezers and tumble dryers, are recalled by manufacturers because of a problem that could create a fire risk. You can find out if your white goods have been recalled and/or register for future alerts at https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/product-recalls/

We operate a NO SMOKING Policy in all communal areas, which MUST be adhered to. This includes the use of e-cigarettes.

Please follow our tips so you and your family can stay safe when using a balcony.

When it’s warm outside, we open our windows and doors more frequently. However, please remember about the dangers this can bring for young children living above the ground floor.

If you have window opening restrictors, please use them.

If you have a balcony, keep the door locked when you are not using it.

Please also consider installing a child-proof gate that you can keep locked when you are not in the room and don’t want to lock the balcony door. You must never allow young children access to a balcony when an adult can't be present.

Here are a few other things to remember to keep your balcony safe:

• Never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railing
• Never try to pass items to someone on another balcony
• Never try to climb onto another balcony from your balcony
• Keep balcony furniture away from the railing and heavy enough so children can’t drag it to climb up on
• Never stand on balcony furniture

Please make sure everyone, especially children, know the dangers of behaving carelessly on a balcony or leaning over them.

Please contact us if you have any concerns about fire safety in your block or scheme. We also have lots of helpful information about fire safety here.

• always pay attention: Stay alert and avoid distractions when using a lift

• mind the gap: Watch your step when entering and exiting the lift

• always accompany children and pets in the lift

• familiarise yourself with the location of the emergency button

• stand clear of the doors and wait for passengers to exit before entering

• do not exceed the lift's maximum load capacity

• distribute weight evenly inside the lift

• do not block the doors from closing

For any lift-related repairs or maintenance requests, please call 0333 320 4555.

• if available, familiarise yourself with the stairlift's user manual and safety instructions. These

can be provided upon request through the building manager

• always use the seatbelt whilst riding the stairlift

• make sure the stairway is clear of obstacles before using the stairlift

• do not allow children or pets to play on or near the stairlift

• make sure you are seated safely and securely before you start the stairlift

• use the controls gently to avoid sudden movements

• do not exceed the stairlift's weight capacity

We ensure your stairlift undergoes regular maintenance and safety inspections. This includes regular services and six-monthly LOLER inspections.

We also carry out any necessary repairs in a timely manner. The contractor’s targeted timescales are dictated by each situation, for example, if the stairlift is the sole means of getting between floors it should be repaired within 24 hours. For more routine repairs it is either 7 or 28 days.

For any stairlift repairs or maintenance requests, call 0333 320 4555.