Clearing The Corridor Clutter – Whose Job Is It?

16th Nov 2020

Corridor clutter can be frustrating and can be a serious health and safety risk. But whose job is it to clear them?

As block managers, we have the responsibility for communal areas. But, we also need the support of residents to help keep these areas obstruction-free.

Safe, happy and quarrel-free communal living requires compromise and effort – including keeping corridor clutter to a minimum.

Most managing agents would tell you that they spend a disproportionate amount of time dealing with issues such as items left in corridors and outside front doors. Time that could be much better spent on making improvements to the block or estate.

Leaving rubbish bags or muddy shoes outside your flat (even if only for a few hours) is something that affects hallways, carpets, neighbours and passers-by. Not to mention the smell that lingers. Smell aside, there is also a more serious reason as to why communal areas need to be kept clear.

The fire risk of items being left in hallways cannot be ignored: from the careless discarding of a cigarette into a recycling bin, through to the extreme of a disused fridge freezer catching alight. Unfortunately, it is also not unheard of for intruders to gain access to stairwells and corridors where they could use the materials left to start fires.

Additionally, whilst a lot of buildings have a ‘controlled evacuation’ or ‘stay put’ policy in place for handling fires in the building, obstructions of any sort can be life threatening in a genuine evacuation situation. Even the smallest of door mats become trip hazards and, in the smoke and confusion, can slow down or hinder a safe evacuation.

At Blocsphere, we take time to ensure all leaseholders and residents understand WHY communal areas need to be kept clear.

For further information or for advice, please speak to us on 03333 601 601 or contact us online here.