Communal Areas Policy

1. Introduction and Background

1.1 Wiltshire Council (the Council) is committed to ensuring that all communal areas are well kept, meet all regulatory requirements and are a safe and enjoyable place for residents and staff. 

1.2 This Policy applies to all internal and external common parts of blocks of flats to ensure they are kept free of obstructions or hazards to protect the health and safety of tenants and other users of the buildings.

1.3 A communal area is any area that is not within the confines of the tenant's property. For example - corridors, balconies, stairways, landings, lobbies, meter cupboards, external gardens, bin stores, entrances to buildings, garages, and parking areas.

1.4 Tenants are expected to take responsibility for the area immediately outside their home and to share the responsibilities for any other communal area that tenants may use.  Leaseholders will also be expected to have the same responsibilities in these situations.

1.5 Communal areas adjacent to a tenant's property are not an extension of an individual's property. Tenants should not use such areas for their personal effects or have exclusive use thereof.

2. Policy aim

2.1 To ensure the health and safety of tenants and their visitors, staff, contractors, and anyone else who comes into Council owned properties.

2.2 To prevent any accumulation of items in communal areas that could contribute to a fire risk or hamper safe evacuation in the event of an emergency.

3. Objectives

3.1 We will take a zero-tolerance approach to ensuring communal areas are kept safe and clear. As a landlord we have a responsibility to ensure that internal / enclosed communal areas are kept clear and accessible so that residents can exit the building quickly and safely in the event of an emergency, as well as allowing emergency services easy and uninhibited access if required. We therefore promote a "Sterile Environment".

3.2 We will ensure communal areas are kept clear and take action against tenants who risk the health and safety of themselves and others in communal areas.

3.3 When we become aware of any items left in communal areas, we will remove them under the Terms of TORT (Interference with Goods) Act 1977.  Items believed to be of value will be removed and kept in storage for 28 days and if unclaimed disposed of. There will be a minimum charge of £50 per item to return items. This charge is to cover the costs of the removal and storage.  Where low value items are removed, we will seek to charge for the full costs of removal where the owner can be identified.  The Council cannot be held responsible for the loss or theft of items in communal areas.

3.4 Housing service staff will report items when discovered. Tenants and Leaseholders are  asked to report items to the service via I-Housing or by calling 0300 456 0117 Option 2.

4. Examples

4.1 Tenants cannot store the following items in communal areas.  Items include, but not limited to:

• Soft furnishings, clothing, footwear, or any other combustible items.

• Carpet

• Rubbish

• Pot plants - real or imitation

• Pictures (it may be possible to display a picture if securely fixed to the wall as opposed to hung with string - in all cases permission must be sought before affixing any item to a communal wall).

• Any item of furniture, ornaments, bicycles, pushchairs, boxes or any other such article.

• Mobility Scooters are not allowed to be driven in nor have the batteries recharged in communal areas. Tenants may only store a mobility scooter within their own home, unless there is a designated mobility scooter storage area provided which has space available and which has been agreed by us.

• No electrical items.

• Any items that contain fuel (even if empty).

4.2 Permissible items:

• Thin rubber backed, non-slip doormat. (No carpets as they present fire risk and trip hazard.)

5. Review

5.1 Scrutinised and Approved by Wiltshire Council Housing Board.

5.2 Endorsed by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service.

5.3  Approved by the Director of Housing and Commercial Development on DATE TBC.

5.4 This policy will be formally reviewed at least every two years or more frequently if required.