The dos and don’ts of safe communal spaces | Tenant news

Communal spaces are like the living room of your building, so it’s important to use them carefully and responsibly.

Paying attention to hazards and following key safety rules helps ensure these areas remain safe and welcoming for everyone.

Keep it tidy

Shared spaces only work when everyone does their part, so think of hallways, stairwells, and lounges as areas to move freely, not places to leave personal items.

Don’t leave rubbish, bikes, prams, furniture, or other unwanted belongings that can block pathways and slow people down in an emergency. Keep your things in designated storage areas whenever possible.

Habinteg checks communal areas regularly, and if something is causing an immediate hazard, we’ll remove it on the same day to keep everyone safe.

Think about fire safety

Fire doors are there to keep you and your neighbours safe by holding back smoke and flames, but they only work properly when they stay closed.

Never wedge them open, remove door closers, or tamper with seals, and report any damage to Habinteg straight away so it can be fixed quickly.

Smoking in communal areas can increase the risk of fire, so only do so in designated areas and always make sure cigarettes and matches are fully extinguished before disposal.

Don’t ignore the evacuation plan - take a moment to familiarise yourself with the nearest exits, so you can leave quickly and safely in an emergency.

Check your front door. Your front door plays a key role in protecting you and your neighbours from fires.

If your door is broken or won’t close properly, let us know so it can be checked and repaired. Don’t forget that you can report repairs easily using the MyHabinteg portal.

Any replacements you want to do yourself must be approved in writing to make sure the new door meets fire safety standards.

Be a responsible neighbour

Being a good neighbour in communal spaces isn’t just about tidiness. It also means thinking about how your actions affect everyone who uses them. This includes checking with Habinteg before adding any furnishings or decorations to shared areas, so nothing you add could block walkways or create hazards.

It also means staying alert for anything that could cause problems. If you notice something that doesn’t feel right, such as loose handrails, flickering lights, or doors that don’t close properly, report these straight away to Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or by email at direct@habinteg.org.uk.

Learn more about how we keep communal spaces safe by visiting our Health and Safety hub. 

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