Safety in my home

Communal areas and fire safety 

We take?fire safety?very seriously and are spending time and money to help keep tenants and leaseholders safe in blocks of flats. 

To stay safe: 

• Keep stairs, hallways, and shared areas clear?and tidy at all times so people can escape safely in a fire 

• Don’t store anything?in shared areas—this includes?mobility scooters, which are?not allowed in lifts, this is a fire hazard and could cause a blocked escape in an event of an emergency. 

• Don’t litter or let pets make a mess?in these areas 

• Report any building entry doors that do not lock to repairs and ensure building entry doors are secure on exit and entry. 

• Report any damaged or fire doors that are not properly opening and shutting or stay open.  

• Do not use wedges to keep important fire protection like fire doors open.

Our estate management and mobile support officers check the building communal areas monthly as part of the landlord responsibility for building safety. 

Gas safety 

Annual Gas Safety Check: You are responsible for ensuring all gas appliances (e.g. boiler, hob, cooker, fire), pipework, and flues are checked at least once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Maintenance: You must maintain all gas installations in a safe condition. 

Carbon Monoxide Awareness: Be alert to signs of carbon monoxide (e.g. yellow flames, dark staining, condensation) and install a carbon monoxide alarm  

Emergency Preparedness: Know how to shut off your gas supply and call the emergency number (0800 111 999) if you suspect a leak or carbon monoxide presence  

We will:  

• Service shared gas boilers  
• Look after communal gas pipework 

Cleaning and garden maintenance 

We clean shared areas?once a week. This includes: 

• Sweeping and mopping floors 

• Wiping window sills and banisters 

• Removing cobwebs 

We clean windows in shared areas?every three months. 

We also look after the grounds around your block, including: 

• Cutting grass 

• Trimming shrubs, hedges, and trees 

We?don’t collect grass cuttings?from housing land. If you believe that the external area of the building could contribute towards a fire risk and there is excess items present, please report this to the repairs team.