Keeping our spaces safe and clear

Everyone should play their part to keep certain areas free from items that could increase the risk of a fire.

These areas should be kept clear for everyone's safety.

Which areas should be clear?

Corridors, hallways, staircases, landings, gardens and other common areas must be kept free from anything that could catch fire or block escape routes. Keeping these areas clear makes sure that everyone can exit the building safely in an emergency.

What must not be kept in these areas?

To keep your building safe, please avoid placing the following items in these areas:

Pictures and decorations: In most buildings, no pictures or decorations are allowed in corridors or on the outside of your apartment door.  In buildings such as our extra care facilities and sheltered schemes, please check with our team about your buildings policy.

Items in staircases: No items, including doormats, plants, ornaments or makeshift ramps, are allowed in staircases.

Furniture: Furniture is not allowed in emergency exit routes. This includes foyers and other common areas.

Clothing: Please do not hang or leave clothes in these areas.

Mobility scooters and bikes: These should not be stored in common areas or block escape routes.

Rubbish:  Any rubbish or unwanted items should be disposed of safely, without leaving any items standing in shared hallways, rooms, stair wells, gardens or other common areas.

Other personal items:  Wheelchairs, shopping trolleys, plants and any other personal items should not be stored in communal areas.

Special considerations

Care and support buildings: In buildings where customers may have Dementia or Alzheimer's, shelves outside flat doors are sometimes decorated with various items to help customers easily find their apartment door.  Our care and support team will help to agree what is acceptable, while ensuring safety.

Maintenance items: If there are any maintenance issues that have been identified but not yet addressed, we will follow up to ensure they are resolved.