Fire safety in flats

Fire safety in the communal areas

Communal areas such as entrances, corridors, bins and parking areas are for all tenants to use.

They must be kept clutter-free and sterile to ensure a clear escape route, should a fire break out.

  • Do not leave any rubbish or unwanted furniture anywhere inside the communal areas of the flats, including door mats, as these are a fire hazard. The communal area includes both internal and external entrances, exit areas and lifts
  • If you have any bulky items that you need collecting, we provide a collection service which is free for up to five items in one collection every 12 months. You can request a bulky item collection

Fire doors

Fire doors must be kept closed. They slow down the spread of fire and smoke in separated areas.

  • Door closers must be installed, and the doors should close shut
  • Do not tamper with or disconnect any door closer
  • Keep all doors closed when sleeping, especially kitchen and living room doors
  • Do not prop open fire doors
  • Report any damage to fire doors immediately
  • If you do not have a thumb turn lock on your flat door, you must contact us, and one will be installed free of charge. You should not need a key to evacuate your building

Bin chute

If in doubt, don’t put it down. If you try to get larger items to go down the chute, it will cause a blockage and become a fire hazard. Please use the chutes correctly.

  • Bag up your rubbish, including cat litter, leftover foodstuffs, tea bags, etc, using only small carrier bags and tie them up
  • Nappies and feminine products should be disposed of in a suitable paper or plastic bag
  • Do not put cigarettes, matches or any other flammable items down the chute

You can request a bulky item collection.

What can go down the chute

  • Small plastic carriers to bag up rubbish (17 inches or 43cm deep by 15 inches or 38cm wide)
  • Flattened plastic bottles
  • Torn up large cardboard boxes

What cannot go down the chute

  • Cigarettes, matches or other flammable items
  • Leftover pizza boxes
  • Large cardboard boxes or bin bags
  • Pillows or duvets
  • Vapes or e-cigarettes