We want everyone living in our homes to be safe and comfortable, that also means making sure communal areas are safe. To help keep fire escape routes clear, we follow a managed approach to what can be kept in communal areas.
Some items are safe to have; others are not allowed because they create a fire or trip risk.
What do we mean by communal areas
Communal areas are shared spaces that everyone in the building uses. These include:
- Entrances
- Landings and corridors
- Stairwells
- Corridors
- Shared communal areas and lobbies
- Bin storerooms
- Laundry rooms (if shared)
- Bike and buggy storage spaces.
These areas must always be kept clear so people can get around safely, especially in an emergency.
What do we mean by ‘managed approach’
A managed approach means we regularly look at what can and can’t be kept in communal areas, so everyone stays safe.
It’s a practical way of keeping shared spaces clear and safe, while still allowing a few small personal touches that help your building feel like home.
It also helps make things clearer for customers, so you know what’s safe, what isn’t, and what might be allowed in certain situations.
What you can have in communal areas
Expand the items below to understand what is, what isn't, and what might be allowed to be stored in communal areas.
Low-risk personal items
You may have:
- Pictures in non‑combustible frames with a glass front, securely fixed to the wall.
- One small plant in a ceramic pot near your front door or on a windowsill, as long as it does not block the walkway.
- Door mats, if they:
- Have a non‑slip backing
- Are in good condition
- Are normal size (not wider than the door)
- Are not placed at the top of stairs.
These items are not permitted because they create fire risk, toxic smoke, trip hazards, or could block escape routes:
- Furniture (chairs, tables, cupboards, screens)
- Soft furnishings or decorations (including festive decorations)
- Artificial plants
- Rubbish, recycling, plastic containers, shoe racks or shoes
- Mobility scooters (unless a specific storage and charging area has been built)
- Anything hung on walls, ceilings, handrails or panels
- Vehicle parts or fuels
- Rugs, carpet tiles or runners
- Anything that blocks a walkway or increases fire risk.
Prams, buggies and bicycles
These should be stored in your:
- Home
- Garage
- Pram/bike store
- Storage shed (if available)
If none of these exist, we may allow storage:
- Under a communal staircase made of non‑combustible material (for example, concrete)
- Only if the item does not stick out into the walkway
- Only if it is stable and cannot fall over
This must be approved by Alliance Homes’ Fire Safety Manager. To request any of these items, get in touch by emailing act@alliancehomes.org.uk or calling us on 03000 120 120.
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters must be stored:
- Inside your home
- In a garage or outdoor shed
- In a purpose-built scooter store
They cannot be stored or charged in indoor communal areas unless a designated fire-safe area has been created. Charging must always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. We have more guidance on mobility scooters here.
What happens if we find unsafe items or items that are not allowed
We understand items are often left out by mistake. If we find something that is not allowed, we will:
- Talk to you first: we’ll always try to speak with the customer to explain the issue.
- Find a safe solution together: we’ll work with you to agree on the best next steps.
- Give you reasonable time: you’ll be given time to remove or relocate the item safely.
Our aim is to keep everyone safe, not to cause inconvenience.
If we can’t identify the owner
We will leave a removal notice with instructions and a deadline. If the item is still there when we return, it will be removed. High‑value items will be stored for 30 days.
To collect an item, please email act@alliancehomes.org.uk to arrange a time.
After 30 days, the items will be disposed of, and customers will be charged for the removal cost.
High risk items
Some items are too dangerous to leave in communal areas. These will be removed immediately and will not be stored. Examples of these items include:
- Petrol
- Solvents
- Oil-based paints.
Need help or want to report a concern, get in touch
If you’re not sure whether an item is allowed, have questions about what you can or can’t keep in communal areas, or are worried about safety in your building, please get in touch. You can contact us by:
- Calling 03000 120 120
- Emailing act@alliancehomes.org.uk
- Completing our 'Contact us' webform
- Sending a message through Connect, our online customer portal or using Living Chat on our website
- Writing to us or visiting us at Alliance Homes, 40 Martingale Way, Portishead, BS20 6PF
