Communal Areas and Fire Doors

Compartmentation and Fire Doors

Keep Fire Doors Closed:

Fire doors in communal areas are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They must remain closed at all times.

How to keep fire doors safe:

• Avoid Obstructions: Do not block or wedge fire doors open, as this can prevent them from working effectively during a fire.
• Report Issues: If a fire door is damaged or not working correctly, report it to us immediately.

Electrical and Utility Cupboard Doors

• Keep Doors Closed and Locked: Doors to electrical, gas and water cupboards must remain securely closed and locked.
• No Storage: Do not store personal belongings in these cupboards. Stored items can increase the risk of fire and obstruct access during an emergency.

No Personal Items in Communal Areas

Keep Communal Areas Clear:

Corridors, stairwells and lobbies must remain free from personal belongings. This helps residents evacuate safely and allows the fire service to access the building without obstruction.

Items that must not be left in communal areas include:

• Buggies and Prams: Do not leave these items under stairwells or in shared spaces.
• Bicycles and E-Scooters: Do not store these in communal areas because they can block escape routes and increase fire risks.
• Clothing and Building Materials: Remove any items that could fuel a fire.

Fire-Sterile Policy

Communal areas are covered by our fire-sterile policy and must remain completely clear. Items left in these areas may be removed and disposed of to help keep everyone safe.

Preventing Legionella: Run Your Taps Monthly

What is Legionella?

Legionella bacteria can form in stagnant water pipes and cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection.

How to prevent it:

• Once a month, run all taps and showers in your home (bathroom, kitchen, utility).
• Let them run for at least 2 minutes at full temperature.
• Keep a safe distance to avoid inhaling any droplets.
• Clean taps and showerheads regularly to prevent limescale, which can harbour bacteria.

Warning signs:

If your water looks discoloured, smells strange, or the pressure is low, contact us immediately.

Smoke Alarm Maintenance: Test Monthly

Smoke alarms are your first line of defence in a fire. Don’t assume they’re working — test them!

How to test your alarm:

• Press and hold the test button until you hear a loud beep.
• If it doesn’t sound, it may need a battery replacement or a service call.

Keep alarms working properly:

• Vacuum the area around each alarm every few months to remove dust.
• Do not cover, paint over, or remove your alarms — this compromises your safety.

Where alarms should be installed:

• Hallways and landings

If you're unsure about alarm placement, get in touch and we’ll help check.

CO Alarm Maintenance: Test Monthly

CO alarms are your first line of defence to detect carbon monoxide. Don’t assume they’re working — test them!

How to test your alarm:

• Press and hold the test button until you hear a loud beep.
• If it doesn’t sound, it may need a battery replacement or a service call.

Keep alarms working properly:

• Vacuum the area around each alarm every few months to remove dust.
• Do not cover, paint over, or remove your alarms — this compromises your safety.

Where alarms should be installed:

• Close to any gas appliance

If you're unsure about alarm placement, get in touch and we’ll help check.

Gas & Electrical Safety Checks

These checks are legal requirements and help prevent gas leaks, fires, and electrocution risks.

Gas Safety Check – Every Year

We inspect:

• Boilers
• Gas pipes
• Gas-powered appliances (heaters, ovens)

What you need to do:

• Let us in on the scheduled day — it’s a legal requirement.
• Clear the space around your boiler before our engineers arrive.
• If you need to rearrange, let us know as soon as possible.

This check helps identify carbon monoxide risks and faulty components.

Electrical Safety Check – Every 5 Years

We check:

• Wiring and sockets
• Fuse boards and consumer units
• Earth bonding and overall safety compliance

What you need to do:

• Let us in on the scheduled day — it’s a legal requirement.
• Clear the space around your fuse box before our engineers arrive.
• If you need to rearrange, let us know as soon as possible.

After the visit:

You’ll receive a safety certificate, confirming your home’s systems are compliant and safe.

Damp & Mould: Prevention and Reporting

Why this matters:

Damp and mould can lead to serious health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.

What causes damp?

• Condensation from cooking, drying clothes indoors, poor ventilation, and inadequate heating
• Leaks from plumbing, roofs, or windows
• Cold spots on walls and ceilings
• Excessive moisture within a home/room

How to reduce condensation:

• Use extractor fans or open windows when cooking or showering
• Keep lids on pans and close internal doors
• Dry clothes outdoors or use a vented dryer
• Leave trickle vents open (where available)
• Heat your home evenly, especially in colder months
• Wipe down windows when condensation appears

What to look for:

• Black spots on walls or ceilings
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Musty smell

What to do:

If you notice any signs of damp or mould, report it to us immediately. We will inspect the issue and, where needed, arrange remedial works.

We take damp and mould reports seriously. Early intervention helps us resolve the issue quickly and safeguard your health.

Compliance in Action

Our planned works and safety checks align with regulatory requirements like:

• Gas Safety Certificates (LGSR – Landlord Gas Safety Record)
• Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
• Fire Door Inspections
• Fire Risk Assessments
• Legionella Checks
• Lift Servicing & LOLER
• Asbestos Surveys (where applicable)

By staying compliant, we reduce risk and increase peace of mind for everyone.