3.1 The aim of the policy is to ensure that:
► We comply with legislation, regulatory requirements and best practice.
► We provide clear guidance for tenants and staff on safety in communal areas and what is and isn’t acceptable.
► We minimise the risk to tenants and other building users.
3.2 Management
3.21 B3Living will adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to communal areas, enabling us to prohibit any items being stored in common parts to reduce the risk of fires and maintain safe routes of escape in the event of a fire or other emergency.
3.22 Communal areas of blocks do not belong to any resident, even the area immediately outside a front door. Consequently, tenants or leaseholders do not have any right to store items in communal areas.
3.3 Customer responsibilities
3.31 To comply with this policy and keep communal areas clear and free from obstruction at all times.
3.32 To keep communal areas free from ignition sources, flammable items and those that can give off noxious gases, always.
3.33 It is against the law to smoke in enclosed public spaces this includes any internal common areas and partially enclosed access balconies. Customers and their visitors must not smoke within internal communal areas, on partially enclosed access balconies or close to other people’s property where the smoke may affect them.
3.34 To not damage, obstruct or wedge open any fire doors and main entrance security doors. Tenants should report any damage to B3Living.
3.35 To not tamper with or damage any fire extinguishers or smoke detectors or fire alarm systems. Smoke detectors must not be covered. Customers should report any damage to B3Living.
3.36 Some utility meters for individual properties are in locked meter cupboards. All requests for meter readings should be made to our office.
3.37 To remove any items as requested by any B3Living employee, either verbally or written.
3.4 B3Living responsibilities
3.41 Fire risk assessments relating to the structure, fabric and management of all fire safety related items in communal areas will be carried out in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
3.42 Notices will be displayed in communal areas where possible, giving clear guidance on the communal areas policy and no smoking signs will also be displayed.
3.43 B3Living will identify any items stored in communal areas and follow a procedure (appendix A) to inform, remove or dispose of items if they are not removed by tenants and leaseholders. Charges and tenancy enforcement action may apply.
3.44 Request for meter reads will be responded to within 5 working days and we will supply the meter reading and the date of the reading.