Communal areas and flats

Communal areas

You must keep internal areas in your flat clean and clear to help keep you and your neighbours safe.

The communal areas in your block such as the stairs, stairwells, landings and corridors are escape routes for you and your neighbours if there is a fire, so must be clear of items. You must not wedge or leave any doors open for any reason as it will help fire to spread.

Fire and rescue services also need these areas to fight fire and evacuate people to safety.

Everyone living in your block is responsible for keeping the communal areas clear. Common items we come across are:

rubbish
furniture
prams/push chairs
plants
doormats
play equipment
mobility scooters
any other personal items

Flat Inspections

We'll inspect your block at least every two months. This may be more frequently if issues are picked up. See your flat information sheet in your communal noticeboard to find out when your next inspection's due.

If we find anything in the communal areas, we will dispose of it. If we find anything valuable we will try to identify the owner, if it is not removed, the item will be disposed of.

We clean the communal areas weekly. You are still responsible for keeping the communal areas clean, clear and tidy.

Door entry systems

All our blocks of flats and maisonettes have door entry systems to stop uninvited people entering the building. Help keep your building safe by not:

letting someone you do not know into the building
letting visitors into the building for your neighbour
asking your neighbours to let visitors in for you
wedging or leaving the door open for any reason

If you let strangers into the building, you will reduce the security for yourself and everyone else living in the block.

Mobility scooters

If you use a mobility scooter, please be aware that storing them or charging them up in the communal areas of flats is not permitted because of health and safety issues.

If you live in a block of flats, you must agree a suitable location for storage and charging of a scooter with us before you make a purchase. You will also be expected to produce a valid insurance certificate covering the use of the scooter.

If you wish to store and charge your mobility scooter in your own flat, we will inspect your home to ensure that you can still escape from your property quickly in an emergency.

As with other unauthorised items in communal areas, we may take action against you if you have not asked permission or store or charge your scooter in a communal area of your block.

Noise nuisance

Nuisance caused by noise is the main area of conflict between neighbours living in flats. Playing music, listening to the radio and watching television are obvious sources of noise. Other sources of noise can include:

revving cars
slamming doors
shouting in the hallways and stairs, particularly at night
talking, hanging around or playing in communal areas.

A certain amount of noise is to be expected, but neighbours should not have to suffer from serious noise nuisance. In flats and maisonettes you may have neighbours above and below you as well as on either side – it is important to show consideration for all your neighbours. This is one reason why laminate flooring is not allowed in flats.

Report noise nuisance

Tackling problems

If you have a problem with noise from your neighbours please talk to the person who is causing the noise. This is the best way of resolving problems and sometimes your neighbour may not realise their noise is bothering you.

Speak to your Estate Officer if this does not resolve the problem. They will be able to speak to your neighbour on your behalf and take steps to stop the nuisance. It may also be that an ASB Officer is allocated to deal with this in a more formal way if this is something that you would prefer.

Sometimes mediation can help, particularly where there appears to be a clash of lifestyles or personalities.

Taking action

In the most serious of cases we consider legal action. This is our very last resort; however, we will take action to stop serious nuisance when we have to.

We also work in partnership with Derby City Council’s Environmental Services. You can read more about how the Council can deal with noise nuisance on Derby City Council's website.