Communal areas

Keep it clear, keep it safe

We’re committed to doing everything we can to keep residents and the buildings you live in safe and we are sure that doing what you can is equally important to you.

Whilst the vast majority of residents comply with what’s set out in their tenancy or lease agreements, there're some who continue to store items in communal areas. Unfortunately, this compromises everyone’s safety.

As any items left in communal areas can block emergency exit routes, create a fire risk and cause a slipping or tripping hazard, we will take action to remove them either within 24 hours or seven days, depending on the type of item.

What communal areas are affected?

All internal or external areas that are shared, including (but not limited to) corridors, hallways, stairwells, lobbies, walkways, riser cupboards and under stairs.

What items cannot be stored in communal areas?

Residents aren’t permitted to temporarily or permanently store, keep, leave or park the following or any other items in internal or external communal areas:

  • A bicycle, scooter or similar
  • A pram/pushchair or similar
  • A mobility scooter/e-scooter or similar
  • A moped or similar
  • Furniture of any description
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Umbrellas
  • Photographs/pictures
  • Doormats
  • Plants and plant pots/containers
  • BBQs
  • Any type of fuel
  • Rubbish/refuse whether in a bag, box or otherwise
What will happen if I don’t remove items from outside my flat / communal areas?

If we see items being stored in the internal or external communal areas during our estate inspections, we'll ask the owner to remove them (if we can identify who they are).

We'll remove and dispose of any items considered combustible or high risk immediately. We'll remove and store all other non-combustible items off-site for a period of 21 days.

Where will you store them and for how long?

We'll arrange for items to be stored off-site for 21 days. If we're able to identify the owner, we'll provide details of where their belongings are so that they can arrange to collect them.

What happens if I don’t collect them?

We'll take all reasonable steps to trace the owner. If we're unable to trace the owner or the items are not collected (after 21 days), we'll arrange the disposal or sale of the items.

Will there be any charge?

We'll always try and determine who the item owner is, so that we can work with them to collect the items and pay any associated costs.

If we aren’t able to identify the owner, however, we may recharge the costs associated with the removal, storage and disposal of items as part of the service charges.

I live in a block without a lift – if I can’t leave my bike/buggy/pram in the entrance, how am I expected to carry it upstairs?

We understand that our residents have different needs and requirements. If you have any queries about the policy, please contact us via ask@onehousing.co.uk. Your property manager will be able to work with you to discuss your options and/or explore potential scheme improvements which could include, where possible, alternative storage facilities.

I don’t have space inside my flat to store my bike/buggy/pram. Where else can I store it?

As above

Can I store my e-scooter or electric bike in a communal area or on a balcony?

The London Fire Brigade has recently warned that they have seen a huge spike in fires as a result of electric bikes and e-scooters. Although we recognise that electric bikes and e-scooters are becoming common modes of transport, please note that residents aren’t permitted to store or charge them in communal areas.

In addition, to help us reduce the risk of fires on balconies, please don’t store any combustible items on your balcony. You can read more about balcony fire safety here.

Why am I not allowed decorative items like door mats or plants?

We know how important your home and surroundings are and we’re keen to work with you if you think improvements or enhancements are needed to your immediate, or the wider, environment.

More Information